NDDC Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Development at C'River Digital Empowerment and Peacebuilding Summit

Ukorebi Esien | 15th February 2025

CALABAR — Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, the Commissioner representing Cross River State at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has reiterated the federal government's dedication to youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and digital transformation. Speaking at the closing session of the Digital Empowerment and Peacebuilding Summit in Calabar, Duke emphasized President Bola Tinubu's administration's resolve to equip young people with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in today's evolving economic landscape.

The three-day event, organized by the NDDC in collaboration with 360 Degree for Women Empowerment, brought together young leaders from across Cross River State to discuss innovative solutions to economic challenges, security concerns, and digital transformation. Participants explored ways to harness technology—ranging from mobile applications to artificial intelligence—to create sustainable livelihoods and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Duke commended the enthusiasm of the youth, highlighting their role in fostering peace and development in the Niger Delta. "The future of our region depends on how well we engage our young people today," he said. "This summit has provided a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and skill development, ensuring that our youth are not just job seekers but wealth creators."

The event featured expert-led discussions, skill-building sessions, and networking opportunities, equipping participants with practical strategies for economic empowerment. Dr. Daniel Ajunwa, the NDDC State Director, also lauded the initiative, emphasizing the commission's ongoing efforts to support young people in the region.

Represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Eme Inyang-Abia, Assistant Director for Agric/Fisheries, Ajunwa noted that empowering youth with digital skills is crucial for economic resilience. "We all need multiple streams of income, and I've learned new ways to use my phone to generate income. The knowledge shared here today is invaluable," she said.

Participants left the summit inspired and better equipped to navigate the digital economy, reinforcing the event's impact on fostering a generation of innovative and economically independent youths in Cross River State.

This version maintains a professional tone while centering the story on Rt. Hon. Orok Duke's statement. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!

Hon. Eyo Bassey Refutes Allegations of IDPBC Sponsorship, Accuses Political Opponents of Blackmail

Hon. Eyo Bassey, the Empowerment Chairman and Member representing Bakassi State Constituency in the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly, has vehemently denied accusations linking him to the sponsorship of the Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi Communities (IDPBC). Describing the claims as politically motivated, Hon. Bassey has dismissed them as baseless and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

In a statement signed by Hon. Bassey, he categorically denied any involvement with the IDPBC, stating, "I have no connection whatsoever with the Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi Communities or their activities even though the signatories are from Bakassi. These allegations are nothing but a fabrication by individuals who are desperate to tarnish my reputation and undermine my commitment to the Bakassi people."  

Hon. Bassey alleged that the accusations are part of a broader campaign of mischief and blackmail orchestrated by political detractors. He stated, "It is unfortunate that some individuals have resorted to cheap propaganda and falsehoods because they lack the capacity to challenge me on the basis of my record of service and achievements. These allegations are clearly designed to distract me from the progress we are making in Bakassi."  

He also addressed the claim that a ₦500,000 transaction was traced to a certain account as alleged to be from him to one of the proponents of the IDPBC. He described it as a desperate attempt to fabricate evidence; Hon. Bassey has challenged them to make evidence of the purported transaction public such that the details of his alleged financial transactions for that day will be published. "I have no financial ties to any member of the IDPBC. This is a calculated attempt to create a false narrative and link me to a group I have no financial affiliation with," Hon. Bassey emphasized.  

Hon. Bassey reiterated his unwavering commitment to the development and welfare of the Bakassi people. He highlighted his efforts in advocating for the proper resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced Bakassi communities by the federal government who ceded part of the territory.  

Hon. Bassey called on the people of Bakassi to remain united and vigilant against those who seek to divide them for personal gain. He urged his constituents to disregard the false allegations and continue to support his efforts to bring development and progress to the region.  

"I urge the good people of Bakassi to see these allegations for what they truly are: a desperate attempt by political opportunists to create division and confusion. Together, we will overcome these challenges and continue to work towards a brighter future for Bakassi," he concluded.  

Hon. Bassey stressed that while Bakassi is one of the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, a local government in Cross River state, 'my local government', 'how sensible will it be for me to call for or support the delisting of a state constituency which I represents at the State Assembly?'

It should be recalled that in numerous fora that Hon. Bassey had clarified that he will not be part and parcel of any development in Bakassi which is not sanctioned by 'my leader the governor'.

Hon. Eyo Bassey remains resolute in his commitment to the people of Bakassi and has vowed to continue his advocacy for their rights and development. In the vein, Hon. Bassey has urged his constituents to key into his latest empowerment programme of free JAMB forms registration for candidates of Bakassi origin and residency. 

He has called on relevant authorities to investigate the source of these false allegations and hold those responsible for spreading misinformation accountable.

Bishop Wale Oke Re-elected As PFN National President

NSAN NDOMA-NEJI

Bishop Wale Oke has been elected as National President of Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria PFN to lead the Christian Association for the second term.

Oke was elected after the members of the Advisory Council found him Worthy during the 18th Biennial conference which took place in February 11, 2025 in Abuja.

Others include Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu – National Deputy President, Bishop David Bakare National Secretary among others, Dr. Sam Aboyeji National Treasurer,RCCG Representative as Internal Auditor among others.

Oke first won the PFN election  some years ago and assumed office as PFN in March 2021 exhausted a four year tenure before seeking a second term.

Outgoing PFN National Publicity Secretary Archbishop Emmah Isong disclosed this during a telephone conversation with our correspondent in Calabar yesterday.

"These are the front liners of the national exco. They are the people who will be leading us for  the next fours years.

" Everyone is at liberty now to congratulate his Eminence Archisbishop Dr. Wale Oke, we thank God for this result. 

"With this result of election, the next line of action for the fellowship today is the other remaining five officers; National Publicity Secretary, National Financial Secretary, deputy national secretary and so on, and they are  to kick-start the process,their inauguration and their training in the next four years.

The cleric averred that  the 18th National biennial conference of the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria PFN will kickstart tomorrow at the Glory Dome, of the Dunamis Ministry , Airport Road Abuja, tomorrow at 4pm.

"We are asking  all Pentecostals, all Nigerians, desiring to move the holy sprit to come. 

"Truly this gathering is the end of 40 days  fasting will produce a new nation of Nigeria that our  children and grandchildren will be proud to come and see.

" We congratulate the re-elected PFN president Dr Francis Wale Oke on his victory and we pray that everyone who loves God will support him.". Isong maintained.

Under Bishop Oke's leadership, the PFN has emphasised honouring its founding fathers, strengthening ties with key Christian leaders across Nigeria.

Bakassi Deep Seaport: Surveyor General, Special Advisers Monitors Ongoing Hydrographic, Geophysical And Geotechnical Survey

CALABAR — The Surveyor General of  Cross River State Surv. Patrick Bassey, the Senior Special Adviser on International Cooperation and Investment Rev. Victor Edet, the Special Adviser on Projects/Programmes, Monitoring and Evaluation Mr Raphael Morphy and the Special Adviser on General Duties Barr Ekpeyong Akiba on Saturday February 8th, were at Bakassi for the supervision and monitoring of the ongoing hydrographic, geophysical-geotecnical survey of the Seaport.

Surveyor Bassey said their visit was to witness the ongoing biometric, hydrometric, hydrographic and geophysical-geotecnical survey of the deep seaport in Bakassi. It is a mega project being executed by the governor of Cross River State Senator Bassey Otu, he is birthing one of the biggest seaport project in Nigeria.

According to the Surveyor General Patrick Bassey, the project when concluded will christianize and turn Bakassi to a maritime trading hub in Nigeria and the sub-saharan African regions. The port is expected to have a 17.5 to 21 meters draft around the Eastern corridors of Nigeria, which is actually the Eastern maritime gateway to Nigeria.

The Senior Special Adviser on International Cooperation and Investment to the Governor, Rev. Victor Edet hinted that the sea is bounded by three countries which are, Cameroon, Sao tome and Principe, and Equatorial Guinea. It is going to be a very revolutionary maritime corridor that is supported by the African export and import Bank, so Cross rivarians are welcome onboard for a serious business away from business as usual, he added. 

Rev. Edet further reveals that all the time they have been looking up to the future, and now the future is here. He assured that they are professionals and military personnel from the Nigerian Navy on standby to carry out the survey for ninety five days.

Filled with excitement, Rev. Victor Edet expressed his appreciation to His Excellency Governor Bassey Otu the state executive members and Cross rivarians who have supported the project and the government.

Mr Edet also extended his gratitude to president Bola Tinubu, whom according to him is going all out to make sure the project comes to fruition in his time, and promised that the next visit to the area which certainly will happen this year, is for the foundation laying ceremony of the Seaport and after twenty four months, they will return to commission the project.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser Projects/Programmes, Monitoring and Evaluation Mr Raphael Morphy expressed satisfaction for the job done so far by the team of professionals, adding that the project is a massive one which will not just benefit the South-South and South East regions, but will affect the other regions across the country in terms of economic growth and job opportunities for the teaming youths, due to its shared boundaries with the three African countries.

Morphy appreciated the Governor Senator Bassey Otu, noting that Cross rivarians are very fortunate to have a leader in him at such a time like this, who sees the future for a generation and spring into action to make it a reality.

While in awe and amazement of the ongoing work at the seaport project, the Special Adviser on General Duties to the Governor Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba said with all he has seen on the sport assessment, it is indeed clear that His Excellency Senator Bassey Otu is standing on his promises and fulfilling his campaign agenda for his people. 

"I remember during campaigns when the governor said they are coming to fulfill democratic gains to the people, and this is a deep vision that is being sustained, he added." 

The commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Eastern Naval command who was represented by Lt. Commodore Izu Nzechi says the force is fully in support of the project and has promised adequate security and collaboration with the state government and the team, so that the Bakassi Deep Seaport will become a reality.

2027: Why Senator Eteng Williams Cannot Be Distracted

CALABAR — Some persons who have continually licked their wounds from the 2022 Cross River Central Senatorial District primaries election, Like a bull in a China shop, are busy fueling political distractions with 2027 politics. Unfortunately, they live with the mantra 'If not them, then it can't be another person'. 

They are more concerned with what is known as stomach infrastructure and where the next meal is coming from and sometimes they act with emotions in an attempt to discredit the works of the Senator representing the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Williams.

In barely 18 months, Senator Eteng William has embraced a more grassroots model of economic development, in line with President's Tiinubu Renewed Hope initiative prioritizing the delivery of social services and safety nets to the most vulnerable. Among the various successes recorded included a direct cash transfer of N100,000 to over 550 constituents including students, widows, and people living with disabilities. These are temporary measures to curb the current economic hardship.

In addition, he has delivered solar powered street lights projects to the following benefiting communities: Yakurr LGA (Ekori, Ugep, Mkpani, Inyima, Assiga, Nko), Obubra LGA (Obubra Urban, Oderegha/Ovukwa, Ofumbungha/Yala, Isobo Otaka

and Isobo Biko-Biko), Boki LGA (Wula Ekumpuo, Okwabang, Agba Osokom and Katchuan Irruan), Etung LGA (Nsofang, Ajassor, Abia) and Abi LGA (

Adadama) and more to come in line with his 'Project Light Up Central' Initiative.

Also, his solar-powered borehole project in communities across Central Senatorial District is in the completion stage, the benefiting communities include Bendeghe-Ekiem, Etung, Ediba, Abi, Olulumo, Ikom, Ababene, Obubra, Ijom, Ugep Assiga, Yakurr, Aduma, Mkpani, Afaben, Mkpani and Boje, Boki. 

On-road construction, work is ongoing in the Mkpani - Lebang Road, and the 2km Mkpani Ring road has already been awarded for construction. He is also constructing a 3-classroom block in Aduma Primary School, which is at the roofing stage, and several projects at various levels of completion. Just like pregnancy, projects have different phases of gestation before delivery. 

On legislative duties, with a strong background spanning over 12 years of experience, his performance has been superlative. Senator Williams has over five strategic bills to his credit, including the Mineral and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill, this seeking to establish clear guidelines and regulations in the mining sector to curb the management of illegal mining, host community development and environmental protection as well as make the mining sector more viable, create more job opportunities, and attract foreign investment.

Senator Williams is fully concentrating on delivering on his mandate and attracting growth and development to Cross River Central Senatorial District. The time for politicking is not yet here, and when that time comes, he will be ready for everyone and his achievements will speak for him. 

@Hope Obeten

320 Women and Youths Empowered in Agriculture Under RHI Support Programme

Ukorebi Esien | 8th February, 2025

CALABAR — Over 300 women and youths in Cross River State have received training and support to start their own agricultural businesses through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Agriculture Support Programme.

Led by Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, the programme, initiated by Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, CON, provided beneficiaries with skills and essential starter packs in fishery, poultry, and crop farming across the state's three senatorial districts.

Support for Beneficiaries

Fishery: Beneficiaries received a tarpaulin pond, 200 fingerlings, fish feed, and medication.

Poultry: Participants got day-old chicks, starter and finisher feeds, and poultry medication.

Crop Farming: Farmers were provided with hybrid seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, and farming tools.

Support for Schools

As part of efforts to promote agriculture among students, 30 schools benefited from the Young Farmers Club Revitalization Programme. They received farming tools, fertilizers, and seedlings to encourage student participation in agriculture.

This initiative highlights Sen. Oluremi Tinubu's commitment to food security and economic empowerment, encouraging more Nigerians to explore agriculture for a better future.

Gov. Otu Strengthens Security Architecture for Sustainable Development in C'River

Mark Edra | 5th February, 2025

CALABAR — Governor Bassey Edet Otu has reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to security development in Cross River State, emphasizing that peace and stability are critical to the state's economic growth and overall well-being of its citizens.

This assurance was given by the Special Adviser on Projects/Programs Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Raphael Morphy, during a security assessment tour alongside the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar. The tour, which is part of the department's 2025 Monitoring and Evaluation exercise, provided insights into ongoing government interventions aimed at bolstering security infrastructure across the state.

According to Mr. Morphy, Governor Otu has continuously invested in strengthening the state's security architecture through partnerships with security agencies, provision of modern equipment, and infrastructural upgrades that enhance operational efficiency.

"The governor has not only increased funding for security operations but has also facilitated the renovation of security office buildings, the provision of patrol vehicles, and the deployment of cutting-edge technology to improve surveillance and crime prevention," Morphy stated.

On his part, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to Governor Otu, commended the Governor for prioritizing security, noting that his strategic interventions have significantly improved the state's safety index. He stressed the administration's efforts in expanding road networks to ease security patrols, fostering community-based intelligence gathering, and supporting law enforcement agencies with necessary logistics.

"The governor understands that without security, development cannot thrive. His administration has set clear goals to create a safer Cross River, where businesses can flourish, tourism can thrive, and citizens can go about their daily activities without fear," Hon. Ironbar added.

Governor Otu's commitment to security remains a cornerstone of his development agenda, as his administration continues to work tirelessly to maintain peace, reduce crime rates, and attract more investments into the state.

#DPPME MEDIA

Gov. Otu Reduces Infrastructure Deficit in Cross River by Over 40% – Morphy

Mark Edra | 5th February 2025

CALABAR — Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has significantly reduced the state's infrastructure deficit by over 40% since assuming office in May 2023, demonstrating his commitment to driving development through strategic investments.

This was disclosed by the Special Adviser on Projects/Programs Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Raphael Morphy, during a spot assessment tour of key infrastructure projects. The tour, which marks the beginning of the department's 2025 Monitoring and Evaluation exercise, was conducted alongside the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar.

Mr. Morphy disclosed that Governor Otu's administration has prioritized infrastructure development to enhance economic growth, improve service delivery, and uplift the well-being of Cross Riverians. He emphasized that the governor's strategic interventions have addressed critical infrastructure gaps across various sectors, including road construction, healthcare, education, and digital economy initiatives.

"The ultimate goal of this administration is to accelerate infrastructure upgrades while boosting key investments that enhance workers' welfare, expand educational opportunities, improve healthcare access, and modernize the agricultural sector," Morphy stated.

Speaking on security infrastructure, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, praised Governor Otu for his decisive actions, including the renovation of security office buildings, provision of operational vehicles, and expansion of road networks to enhance security response and economic activities.

Hon. Ironbar assured Cross Riverians that the governor remains committed to delivering more impactful projects, stressing that the ongoing efforts are just a glimpse of the comprehensive development agenda Senator Otu has set in motion.

#DPPME MEDIA

Accusation of Incompetence Against PFN National President, Ploy To Limit His Reelection Chances -- Archisbishop Isong

Archbishop Dr. Emmah Gospel Isong, is National Publicity Secretary, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria PFN  who knows his onions as far as issues of  PFN are  concerned.  In this interview with National compass, Isong reacted to a piece authored by one Olalekan Bilesanmi where he alleged that Mama Idahosa,one of the  Nigeria's  mothers  of faith had drawn conclusion that Archisbishop Dr Wale Oke's reelected bid for the position of PFN National President would not scale through due to incompetence. NSAN NDOMA -NEJI brings you Excerpts of that Interview.

Question: Going by a publication by one Olalekan Bilesanmi of a certain National Daily who claimed to have spoken with some senior leaders of the PFN that a mother of faith accused Dr. WALE Oke of not keeping the fellowship vibrant and that as a result of that, the  PFN has gone down to voice mail.  Is this assertion true?

Answer: Yes I have seen that  national daily that featured one Mr. Olalekan Bilesanmi as a misfired write up. I wish to tell you that there is no storm in the PFN. and there are no schism in the great fellowship and our National President His Eminence, Archbishop Dr. Francis 'Wale Oke, is leading the fellowship robustly, in his leadership,we have found greater moment of unity and friendship. Never had the Pentecostal fellowship enjoyed this apex of relationship. To me, never had the fellowship been this vibrant. I don't know who the said journalist spoke with. I am the national publicity secretary, if anybody was to speak according to him to leaders of Pentecostal fellowship he should have mistakenly contacted me for that information. I think it's a roadside discussion. It's a street talk that doesn't hold water. 

Question: What is your assessment of the performance of the current National President of PFN?

Answer: Like I said there are five things that stand out for His Eminence Dr Wale Oke, since he became National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, number one, is the atmosphere of peace and love, unity friendship in the fellowship. He has inculcated all across the 36 states of the federation both in the state chapters and local government chapters of the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria. Secondly Dr. Wale Oke, has been able to bring the fellowship to a point that we have raised strong leaders , young generation leaders, a new generation leadership called the generation next of PFN. That has never been.

Thirdly, for the first time, we have acquired a strategic portion of land for our second national Secretariat in Abuja. Our National Secretariat had been in Lagos in the past 40 years and now we are going to have another Secretariat in Abuja.

Fourth, Dr. Wale Oke, instituted a 40 days of prayer and fasting for our nation Nigeria. His prayerfulness and proactiveness has woken up the church.

Fifth, Dr. Wale Oke's divine wisdom has helped strengthened the administration of the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria as he carries along the National Advisory council , National Executive Council, never have we been so united.

Question: Is it true that PFN is having a biennial confab and election in Abuja come February 2025 if so, what are the preparations like ?

Answer:  Yes the PFN is having its 18th National Biennial conference at Glory Dome of the Dunamis church on Airport road, Abuja from February 11 -- 14 , 2025. It is within the period of that biennial conference the Elections will surely hold as we are being reminded by the writers of that unscrupulous article. PFN Elections is a very seemless and private excercise and is not for show. We don't advertise it. Is not like what we have in the world. Previously the process had produced credible leaders like Late Papa Benson Idahosa, Papa Adeboye, Papa Okonkwo, Even recently Papa Ayo Oritjasefor who had ruled for 8 years handed over to Papa Felix Omubude himself led the fellowship for 8 years, and Dr Wale Oke is just ending his four years and of course he is constitutionally entitled for another four years come February 2025 when the fathers of faith will gather to appreciate him for what he has accomplished.

Question: Are you seeing those accusing The National President of incompetence as a ploy to limit his chances for a second term ?

Answer: We don't campaign in PFN, nor lobby. We don't politicize our policy. But if the people that ran this article has that in mind, the it's just like a storm in the tea cup, because the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria, have their own wise, Holy Ghost way of choosing their leaders. Some one like Dr. Wale Oke rose within the ranks and file of the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria. He has been a state leader, he has been a regional leader, he has been even a National vice President ( South West ) , He rose to become a Deputy National President and now he is the National President. 

We have our own processes that throw up our leaders void of campaigns, void of rumblings, void of politicizing and backstabbing. We don't do that kind of politics. We don't even play open politics. It is when the fathers of faith gather and pray, of course like you see in the Acts 13 ,the Holy Spirit will speak and they will bring up the new leadership. It is very clear that they will choose the right person. They had never chosen wrongly.

All the past leaders that PFN have had are from God . We don't choose our leaders on the pages of newspapers. We choose our leaders from after prayers and intercessions.

Question: "Is it  really true that Mama Idahosa accused the PFN National President Dr. Wale Oke, of not keeping to his promises?"

Answer: No. No , No Mama Idahosa and Archbishop Wale Oke's relationship is very like mother and son's relationship. The incident somebody maybe be referring to happened last year during Dr. Oyedepo's 70th birthday. Mama was speaking as a mother and was teasing the national president like to say don't abandon me, don't forsake me ooh. And they laughed together. It wasn't something that should be on air. It wasn't something like an accusation. If you know Mama Idahosa very well. She does that to me and indeed every of her sons. We enjoy her motherhood and simplicity. She is one of the pillars and founding Matriarch of Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria. She is a builder and an encouragement to all. She has a robust and sound relationship with the National President of PFN. Always supports the  President in all projects and programmes of Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria.

Oden Ewa: Stop The Petty Script of Political Blackmail and Thuggery

Omini Oden | January 22, 2025 

Nigeria's politics has outgrown the era of using false propaganda and blackmail to climb the ladder of political power. Under the atmosphere of lack of popularity and acceptability, Commissioner Oden Ewa has continued to profoundly elevate his arrogance, clannishness, greed for power, and ignorance with the sponsored campaign of calumny and divisive politics in Yakurr Local Government Area. 

His insensitivity to the common good of the people alongside some self-acclaimed stakeholders have chosen to dissipate the last breath of their dying political career on profuse smear campaigns targeted at the Distinguished Senator Eteng Jonah Williams. 

Painfully for them, the more they are ranting, the more focused the Distinguished Senator on delivering his campaign promises of unprecedented development to the people of Cross River Central Senatorial District. 

Under his leadership in less than, one year and six months, Senator Eteng Williams has positively impacted his constituents with numerous projects. One notable example is the distribution of solar-powered streetlights across Communities in Cross River Central Cross River State. This initiative has not only enhanced security but also increased social and economic activities in our communities.

The senator's top priority has remained the well-being of his constituents. He has sponsored a bill to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, which seeks to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Ugep. If passed, this bill will provide access to quality healthcare for the people of Cross River Central Senatorial District.

Senator Williams has also collaborated with the Cross River State Ministry of Health to provide free medical care to his constituents. Over 10,000 individuals have benefited from this initiative, receiving free medical treatment, including surgeries and deworming for children.

In addition to his healthcare initiatives, Senator Williams launched solar-powered borehole water projects across communities in the Cross River Central Senatorial District including the Ijom community in Ugep, Assiga, and Mkpani Communities in Yakurr Local Government Area alone. This project aims to provide access to clean water and boost health and community development in the district.

Senator Eteng Williams has shown unwavering support for initiatives that develop young talents with the sponsorship of the Yakurr Unity Cup, a tournament that brought together all communities in the Yakurr Local Government Area fostering peace, unity, and development. He also sponsored the maiden edition of the Sweet Prince Otu Cup 2024 which brought together over 200 secondary school teams across the state, fostering healthy competition, talent development, and sportsmanship in our state. The competition was won by Govisco Secondary School in Ikom LGA. 

Senator Williams is also committed to empowering the youth through education. He has awarded foreign scholarships to 12 youths to pursue their postgraduate studies abroad including 5 beneficiaries from Yakurr. Additionally, he has provided scholarship grants to 21 indigent students at the Nigeria Law Schools.

The senator's efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has facilitated various training programs worth over 100 million naira for 1,000 constituents across the Central Senatorial District, with beneficiaries receiving 100,000 - 120,000 Naira in grants. 

In the area of agriculture, Senator Williams has distributed free fertilizers to rural farmers across the 66 wards of the district. 

We like to emphasize that there is no amount of blackmail that can downplay this purposeful leadership and unprecedented performance, the people of Cross River Central are currently enjoying. 

It is of credible note that the soaring reputation of Senator Eteng Williams has earned him the admiration of all across the entire State.

Indeed, light has come to stay in Cross River Central and there's no room for hired blackmailers and political thuggery. Those days have long passed, and our people are more exposed and aware now. 

Let us make it clear, while it is within Oden Ewa's right to aspire to any office of his choice, his campaign of calumny must stop, If he persists in his voyage, we will have no option but to open the cans of worms in his closet to the public. 

When Men slept, the Devil sowed tars!

Omini Oden Writes from Inyima, Yakurr LGA

Note: The views in this report are solely that of the Author, Omini Oden as they do not represent the position of The Daily News Ng