Beyond Handouts: Akpama Champions Empowerment, Leadership Development in Yakurr II

Ukorebi Esien | December 25, 2025

NKO – The member representing Yakurr II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mercy Akpama, has held a Christmas town hall meeting and leadership development programme for students, as thousands of constituents accessed free medical care.

The event, which took place at Precious Stone Event Centre, Nko, attracted APC members, community leaders, youths and senior secondary school students from across the constituency.

Speaking at the event, the lawmaker Rev Mrs Mercy Akpama said her style of representation was anchored on empowerment rather than handouts, stressing that sustainable development could only be achieved by equipping people with skills and opportunities to stand on their own.

She reaffirmed her commitment to grassroots empowerment and inclusive governance.

"Coming into politics, I realised that many politicians give money and promises, but the people remain the same year in, year out. I chose a different path," she said. "Instead of giving fish every day, it is better to give nets. If you empower one person, it becomes a chain, and others will also be empowered."

She described herself as a grassroots politician who believes in constant engagement with constituents, noting that governance should not be done from a distance.

"My people are my people. We eat together, we play together and we reason together. That, to me, is real politics," Akpama added.

The lawmaker also explained her special focus on students and young people, saying leadership development must begin early if society is to witness continuity and progress.

"As a pastor, I believe strongly that when the foundation is destroyed, nothing can stand. These children are the next generation. You cannot be on stage forever. Any success without a successor is a failure," she said.

Akpama also distributed cash, rice and other Christmas items to participants, noting that the season was one of love and giving.

"Christmas is a time of love and peace. Let us be happy, unite and believe that tomorrow will be better than today," she urged.

Chairman of the event, Brigadier General Obol Enang Ukagu (retd.), commended Mrs Akpama's approach to representation, describing her empowerment model as impactful and forward-looking.

"Her brand of empowerment is novel. It is not about sharing food or drinks, but lifting people to new levels where they can also impact others," Enang said. "Since 1999, she is only the second lawmaker from Yakurr II to gather constituents during this festive period to account for her stewardship and listen to their challenges."

In his remarks, the keynote speaker, Prof. Godwin Igile, who aligned his speech with the theme, urged students and youths generally to uphold the true values of respect, godliness, obedience, and hard work, and to desist from the quick wealth syndrome that is inimical to their well-being and peaceful coexistence. 

The member representing Yakurr 1 constituency, Hon. Cyril Omini, in his remarks, lauded Rev. Mercy for her approach and style of giving back to society, describing it as truly democratic, one that touches the needy directly. 

A beneficiary of the leadership training, Senior Prefect Humble Akpama of Ibaramba Secondary School, Agoi Ibami, expressed gratitude to the lawmaker, Rev. Mrs Akpama, saying the programme had inspired him and other students to embrace responsibility and service.

"I have learnt that leadership is about service and preparing others to be better. We are grateful for this opportunity and the encouragement given to us," he said.

The town hall marked the second phase of her constituency engagement and formed part of the activities to review her stewardship while fostering peace and unity in Yakurr II.

NYCN Invites Affiliated Youth Groups for Christmas Celebration at Youth House

Ukorebi Esein |  December 25, 2025

CALABAR – The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, has extended an invitation to all Affiliated youth groups to a Christmas celebration. TDN reports. 

The event scheduled for today, 25th December 2025, at the Sen. Bassey Edet Otu's Youth and Entrepreneurial House by 1:00 p.m, will feature the distribution of Christmas packages received from the Cross River State Government to all youth groups affiliated with the NYCN. This initiative underscores the Council's commitment to fostering unity, inclusiveness, and collaboration  amongst organizations across the state.

Speaking ahead of the celebration, the State Chairman of the NYCN, His Youthfulness, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, urged all affiliated youth groups to participate actively, emphasizing that the event is not only a festive celebration but also an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and solidarity among the state's youth population.

The NYCN, as the umbrella body for youth affairs in Cross River State, reiterated its role in coordinating youth activities and promoting peace, development, and social cohesion among young people in the state.

All youth groups affiliated with the NYCN are encouraged to be present promptly to partake in the festivities and receive their government-sponsored packages.

C'River Government Hosts NYCN, Emphasises Peaceful Celebration

Ukorebi Esien | December 24, 2025

CALABAR – The Cross River State Government has hosted leaders of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Cross River State Council, and other youth stakeholders, urging youths across the state to celebrate the Christmas and festive season in peace, unity, and love.

The youth delegation, led by the State Chairman of the NYCN, His Youthfulness, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, paid a Christmas courtesy visit to Government House, Calabar, where they were received by Hon. Dr Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor, on behalf of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.

The delegation comprised executive members o the NYCN, members of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Student Union Presidents, representatives of student governments, local government coordinators and state officers of the NYCN, as well as leaders of voluntary youth organisations.

Addressing the youths, the Chief of Staff commended their commitment to responsible leadership and constructive engagement, describing Christmas as a season of "sweetness" that should be marked by peace, tolerance, and shared responsibility.

Ironbar charged the youths to remain focused, law-abiding, and mindful of their actions, noting that every positive conduct by young people contributes to projecting the good image of the state government. He further stressed the importance of partnership between government and youth organisations in sustaining peace and development, especially during the festive period.

The Chief of Staff also used the occasion to commend the leadership of the NYCN for its mature and effective coordination of youth activities across the state, noting that the Olayi-led administration has brought stability, structure, and increased visibility to youth engagements, while strengthening the Council's role as the central coordinating body for youth activities in Cross River State.

As part of the engagement, a Christmas package from the state government was presented to the State Chairman of the NYCN for distribution in celebration of Nigerian youths and students across Cross River State.

Speaking on behalf of the youth delegation, the NYCN Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for his continuous investment in youth development, particularly through capacity-building trainings and infrastructural development across the state.

He reaffirmed the position of the NYCN as the coordinating body of youth activities in Cross River State and pledged the commitment of youths and students to peace, unity, and inclusive engagement. He also assured the government that youths would celebrate the season responsibly and share with the less privileged.

The youth leader further called on young people to protect the state's cultural heritage, particularly the Carnival Calabar, and ensure that festivities are celebrated peacefully without actions capable of disrupting public order.

The visit ended with a vote of thanks and renewed assurances of youth support for the policies and programmes of the Cross River State Government.

In attendance was the Deputy Chief of staff to the governor, Hon. Chief Boniface Okache and other government appointees. 

NYC Declares NYCN Activities Illegal, Warns Youths Against Unauthorized Summit

Ukorebi Esien |  December 24, 2025

CALABAR – The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has declared all activities being carried out under the banner of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) illegal, warning youths in Cross River State to steer clear of any unauthorized gatherings, including the proposed summit scheduled to hold in Bekwara Local Government Area.

The declaration was made on Today during a press conference convened by the leadership of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Cross River State Chapter, to clarify the current state of youth governance, address growing public confusion, and reaffirm the need for legality and institutional order in youth leadership.

According to the state Chairman of NYC, Comrade Francis Finian Offionor, the NYCN currently lacks both legal and administrative recognition, having been suspended by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and stripped of its certificate of registration by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

"Let the record reflect the facts," the Congress stated. "The Corporate Affairs Commission withdrew the registration of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development subsequently suspended it from operating. Consequently, the NYCN is presently proscribed and lacks legal standing at both state and national levels."

The He explained that proscription, by law, renders the organization's existence and activities unlawful, stressing that any summit, congress, or public engagement organized in the name of the NYCN is unauthorized.

On this basis, the NYC specifically cautioned Cross River youths against participating in the proposed NYCN summit in Bekwara, describing it as illegal and capable of generating confusion and public disorder.

"This clarification is necessary to protect young people and maintain public order," the Congress said. "Youth leadership is too important to be driven by speculation, misinformation, or parallel authority."

While maintaining a firm stance on legality, the Nigerian Offionor emphasized that its approach to youth governance is rooted in dialogue, inclusion, and institutional reforms, rather than confrontation.

The body reiterated that it is not positioning itself for rivalry or conflict but is focused on building credible structures that support youth development, civic responsibility, peace, and democratic values.

As part of its roadmap for Cross River State, the NYC unveiled plans for a functional and inclusive youth governance structure, including a State Executive Council, local government youth councils across all LGAs, and specialized committees focused on empowerment, education, innovation, peacebuilding, media, and policy advocacy.

The Congress also affirmed its alignment with the policies of the Cross River State Government, national youth development frameworks, and democratic governance principles, describing itself as a partner in development rather than a pressure group for disruption.

"Youths should expect order, not confusion; structure, not rivalry; programs, not propaganda," Offionor stated, adding that its administration is committed to building strong institutions rather than personalities.

The press conference concluded with a call for responsible civic engagement and respect for the rule of law, as the Nigerian Youth Congress pledged continued openness, constructive engagement, and accountability in advancing the interests of Cross River State youths.

Ukorebi Esien

Editor-in-Chief, 

The Daily News Ng

Lead Consultant

Achievers Center for Community Development Initiative

+2348161527978

Nerz Garden Estate Berths in Calabar, Boosts Affordable Housing Drive

As a deliberate effort aimed at addressing the housing crisis in the shelter ecosystem, Nerz & Zadok Property Limited, a Lagos based real estate firm with over 15 years of proven industry experience, has unveiled its flagship housing project in Calabar, the Nerz Garden Estate.

The estate, located at Idundu in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, is designed to help bridge the affordable housing gap by providing quality homes with flexible ownership options for individuals and families.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nerz Group, Mr Efiong Eyo, said the project reflects the company's commitment to delivering accessible, sustainable and well planned housing solutions. He noted that the development comes at a critical time when rising housing costs have made home ownership increasingly difficult.

According to him, Nerz Garden Estate offers flexible payment plans structured to make ownership attainable, while also positioning Cross River State as a serene, secure and investment friendly destination for long term real estate development.

Mr Eyo added that the Nerz brand is strengthened by its diversified portfolio of over nine subsidiaries, including Nerz Paints, Nerz Diagnostics and Nerz Tech, which ensure quality control, efficiency and reliability across its projects.

He commended the Akpabuyo Local Government administration for the logistical support that facilitated the successful takeoff of the project, reaffirming the company's resolve to exceed expectations through timely delivery and lasting impact.

Commissioning the project, the Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Hon Effiom Bassey, praised the developers for choosing the area and pledged the full support of his administration toward achieving the goal of addressing the growing demand for affordable housing in the state, particularly in Calabar.

He described the estate as more than a housing project, noting that it represents a commitment to sustainable growth, youth empowerment and job creation within the local government area.

The event, which later featured an end of year celebration, attracted goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including Rt Hon Hilary Bisong, Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Stanley Nsemo, Chairman of the House Committee on Lands, Dr Terence Eyo and Mr Liyel Imoukhuede, among others.

The Nerz Garden Estate comprises a mix of duplexes, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom totalling over 100 housing units, all en suite and designed to meet modern living standards, underscoring the developer's commitment to affordability, inclusivity and planned residential living.

C'River Initiative Dismisses Eba's False Claims on Gov Otu's Election

 Judex OKORO

The Cross River State Initiative for Good Governance (CRSIFGG) has dismissed claims by the former state chairman of the All Progressives Congress Alphonsus Eba on Governor Otu's qualifications for the 2023 governorship elections.

The group rubbished his claims that Governor Otu' was disqualified from the 2023 race describing it as "disdainful" and "maligning".

Chairman of the Initiative George Sunday, who made this known during an interview also  dismissed allegations that the Governor owed his ticket victory to the former chairman as "completely false" and an attempt to tarnish the Governor's reputation.

The Initiative  cited the former chairman's removal for misappropriating N60 million from party form sales, as well as allegations of embezzling N20 million meant for local government executives, as reasons behind his bitter claims.

The Chairman  also questioned the former chairman's accusations against the Chief of Staff, asking if he was a chapter chairman or involved in party form sales.

The Initiative urged  the public to disregard the former chairman's claims, emphasizing that the Governor's emergence was "divine" and not dependent on 

any individual's support.

The group called on the embattled Eba to harken to the voices of Cross River State APC Caucus in the House of Representatives  who have called him to respectfully resign so as to allow the ship of the party to continue to sail smoothly.

According to the Initiative, the Leader of the caucus , Hon  Mike Etaba's had stated it clearly that such move "will further help to strengthen the foundations of our party as well as stir up confidence amongst Cross Riverians thereby portraying us as serious, people oriented and focused political party to reckon with come 2027", he said .

C'RIVER’S ASCENDANT PATH: Illuminating Facts In Reply To Hilliard Eta’s Misguided Utterances

CROSS RIVER STATE CONSULTATIVE FORUM, CRSCF 

PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 15, 2025

CROSS RIVER'S ASCENDANT PATH: ILLUMINATING FACTS IN REPLY TO HILLIARD ETA'S MISGUIDED UTTERANCES

Beloved Cross Riverians,

As custodians of collective wisdom and forward momentum, the Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) emerges from the heart of our shared heritage to clarify the canvas of our state's journey. Mr. Hilliard Eta's recent echoes from afar in Abuja—painting portraits of frailty, entrepreneurial voids, and revenues adrift in uncharted waters—deserve a brushstroke of reality, not retort. In the tapestry of time, Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu's tenure of two and a half years weaves threads of resilience and renewal, turning whispers of want into choruses of capability. If doubt dances like shadows at dusk, let facts flood the dawn, revealing a state not stumbling, but striding with purpose under the "People First" banner.

Mr. Eta, consider the fallacy of fragility: Our state stands robust, fortified by a 106% leap in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), escalating from N20.5 billion in 2022 to N36 billion by mid-2024, courtesy of streamlined digital collections, sealed fiscal gaps, and incentivized performance. This surge, harmonizing with federal allocations, fuels a N538 billion 2025 budget—elevated 17% from its predecessor—with 66% dedicated to capital endeavors that pulse with public need. 

Sarcasm aside, those proclaiming stasis might have missed the memo on Tinapa's triumphant return from AMCON's grasp in November 2025, now magnetizing investors and infusing N14 billion through a Calabar Carnival that enchanted 300,000 souls, or the N18 billion tourism infusion repositioning us as West Africa's leisure luminary. 

Mr. Eta, the dirge of entrepreneurial dearth dissolves in the deluge of Otu's initiatives, where innovation isn't an illusion but an irrigated field yielding bounties. The N30 billion Project Grow fund nurtures mechanized marvels in maize, rice, cassava, and fisheries, birthing over 100,000 jobs and N50 billion in revenues.  

Pioneering the South-South's first digital soil fertility map, we've dispersed 625,000 oil palm nuts, fertilizers aplenty, and seeds galore, spawning 286 agribusinesses that generate N4.74 billion and 2,158 opportunities for youth and women.  

For tomorrow's trailblazers, September 2025's N800 million grants empowered 400 youths—distilled from 5,000 trainees at CSS Farms at Nasarawa community—to cultivate agribusiness empires, especially in Calabar Municipality's dynamic Nasarawa enclave.  

Complementing this, the Retirees Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI) allocates N250 million to 500 elders for business births, while N1.2 billion in MSME loans via MEDA equips 8,000 in nano-enterprises.  

One might wryly wonder: If enterprise is extinct, how explain the 50,000-hectare rice expanse in Ogoja and Bekwarra, or Odukpani's 2,000-hectare maize mosaic, both fortresses of food security and employment fortitude? 

Mr. Eta, to the specter of squandered surpluses, behold the symphony of stewardship: Over 200 kilometers of roads reborn across realms, from Calabar South's urban veins to Yala's Akhreha-Okpoku span; 270 solar sentinels lighting Yakurr and Ogoja; and CallyAir's fleet fortified, soaring Calabar skies and knitting connections.  

Education enlightens with WAEC sponsorships for 31,000+ scholars, boasting a 72.1% triumph; 26 fresh classroom citadels; and new bastions like the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, plus ITM-Ugep's federal ascension.  

Health heals through 204 new professionals, Ikom's revamped General Hospital, gratis care for the fragile in 1,034 havens, and child stunting curtailed from 25% to below 2%.  

Gratuities of N10 billion restore retiree repose, the World Bank maritime venture unleashes blue economy waves, and environmental ethos reforests Obanliku and Akamkpa, curbing deforestation by 20%.  

In employment's embrace, 19,800 souls now thrive in state and public civil services, augmenting the 7,000 already enlisted by the local government services—a cascade of opportunities that mocks murmurs of missed moments. 

Mr. Eta, amid this progress, one cannot overlook the prevailing peace and security that has enveloped Cross River like a gentle dawn mist over our hills—a serenity that has endured unbroken throughout Governor Otu's two and a half years. Gone are the shadows of cult violence, rampant kidnappings, armed robbery, petty theft and farmer-herder tensions that once dimmed our horizon; today, farmers till their fields without fear, traders ply markets in harmony, and families sleep under stars unmarred by unrest. This tranquil canvas, painted through proactive community policing, distribution of security vehicles to 177 wards, inter-ethnic/inter religious dialogues, and youth empowerment that channels energies into productivity, has fostered an environment where investment flows freely and development thrives unhindered—a quiet miracle that speaks louder than any rhetoric of weakness.

In this maritime renaissance, the recent federal endorsement shines as a beacon of bold vision. Just days ago, on December 12, 2025, the Federal Executive Council approved the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a flagship Public-Private Partnership project, poised to attract $2.27 billion in private investment.  

This greenfield marvel—fully financed by private sector dynamism—will accommodate colossal vessels, integrate an industrial cluster and Free Trade Zone, and emerge as a vital gateway for Nigeria's North-Central and North-East regions, while serving as a premier hub for West and Central Africa.  

Thousands of jobs will cascade from its docks, decongesting national ports and elevating our blue economy to global tides. One cannot help but smile at the timing: Claims of weakness arrive precisely as this monumental approval anchors our future, a testament to Governor Otu's relentless advocacy that transformed long-held dreams into federally sealed destiny. Yet, the waves of progress extend deeper, with the Nigerian Navy's Hydrographic Office, under Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode—the Hydrographer of the Federation—delivering updated navigational charts that remap our coastal expanses to cutting-edge S-100 international standards.  

This hydrographic symphony, flagged off in December 2024 and culminating in a grand presentation to Governor Otu in August 2025, integrates geophysical and geotechnical data, affirming Cross River's littoral stature and silencing outdated debates on our seaward sovereignty.  

In tandem, the inter-agency chorus—featuring the Surveyor General of the Federation, the National Boundary Commission, and state cartographic expertise—has charted fresh coordinates, revealing that 67 of the 76 long-lost oil wells nestle firmly within our maritime embrace, as etched in Nigeria's 11th Edition Administrative Map and the 2004 Well Dichotomy Study.  

Through Governor Otu's petition in March 2024 and unwavering pursuit of justice, these revelations—once veiled by 2012 judicial shadows—now buoy our claim, reclaiming resources from neighboring grasps without the need for stormy confrontations, all while bolstering derivation revenues and economic harmony.  

How poetic, that remapping the sea not only paves paths for ports but restores wellsprings of prosperity, turning tides of loss into currents of gain. While some, ensconced in external echoes, may cling to outdated optics—perhaps from a "last visit" that overlooked these tides of transformation—we urge a return to roots: Behold the subsidized tractors trundling to tillers, agro-hubs humming with harvest, digital deeds securing lands for legions, and now, the Bakassi horizon beckoning billions in investment. Cross River rises, its story scripted in sweat and strategy, holding helm-holders to high standards through deeds, not discord. As 2027's horizon gleams, rally round Otu's odyssey of opportunity, where every citizen claims a stake in this era of earnest elevation.

In solidarity for sustenance and synergy.

Signed:

Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo

Chairman, Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF)

Dr. Ochim Julius Okputu

Secretary, Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF)

Fed. Poly Rectorship: Etaba Round Peg in a Round Hole, Obla Hails Governing Council

Ukorebi Esien  | December 20, 2025

CALABAR – A former presidential aide and legal practitioner, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has described Dr. Okimba Peter Etaba as a "round peg in a round hole" following his emergence as the leading candidate for the position of Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, Cross River State.

Obono-Obla, who spoke in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, commended the Governing Council of the institution for what he described as a transparent, merit-driven, and law-compliant selection process.

According to him, Dr. Etaba emerged as the most outstanding candidate among those who presented themselves for the interview, having satisfied all the requirements stipulated in the Federal Polytechnic Act of 2019 and the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Education for the appointment of chief executive officers of federal tertiary institutions.

"Dr. Okimba Peter Etaba is a round peg in a round hole. He has met all the statutory criteria and clearly distinguished himself in the interview process. The Governing Council deserves commendation for allowing merit and due process to prevail," Obono-Obla said.

He stressed that the Council has a constitutional and moral obligation to forward Dr. Etaba's name to the Minister of Education for recommendation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for formal appointment.

"The Governing Council has no choice but to transmit his name. Anything short of this would be a travesty and wholly unacceptable, as it would amount to a clear violation of existing laws and guidelines," he added.

Obono-Obla expressed confidence that the Council would act with speed and responsibility in concluding the process.

"I am confident that the Governing Council will act with dispatch and alacrity in forwarding Dr. Etaba's name, thereby reinforcing the principles of fairness, merit, and institutional integrity," he stated.

He noted that appointing Dr. Etaba would not only be in line with due process but would also set a positive precedent for leadership selection across Nigeria's tertiary education sector.

"This appointment will send a strong message that competence and integrity still matter in public institutions and that rules will be respected regardless of external pressures," Obono-Obla concluded.

Before now, the APC Obubra Chapter of the All Progressives Congress had also issued a separate statement congratulating Dr. Etaba on his emergence, describing it as a victory for merit and fairness. Similarly, the Concerned Youth for Good Governance and Leadership Development, commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for ensuring a free and credible selection process, noting that Dr. Etaba's emergence goes beyond his strong academic and administrative credentials. According to the group, his selection is also significant as Obubra Local Government Area, long perceived as politically and institutionally marginalised, has finally secured a notable federal appointment, a development they described as both compensatory and confidence-building, while projecting a positive image of inclusion and equity in public service appointments.

The rectorship position at the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, is expected to become vacant soon, prompting heightened public interest in the outcome of the selection process.

Abon Abang Foundation Staff Celebrate Executive Director, Engr. George Abang, on Birthday

Staff and members of the Abon Abang Foundation have paid glowing tributes to their Executive Director, Engr. George Ndifon Abang, PhD, as he marks his birthday today, describing him as a visionary leader whose passion for humanitarian service continues to transform lives.

In a congratulatory message issued by members of the Foundation and signed by Elvis Okorn Tbi, Director of Programmes and Project, the staff commended Engr. Abang for his dedication to community development, inclusive governance, and sustainable humanitarian interventions across Cross River State and beyond.

According to the message, Engr. Abang's leadership has been instrumental in shaping impactful programmes that address the needs of vulnerable groups, while fostering a culture of professionalism, teamwork, and excellence within the organization.

"Your leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to service inspire us daily. Under your guidance, our programmes and projects have delivered meaningful results and restored hope to many," the message read.

The staff further prayed for renewed strength, sound health, and greater wisdom for the celebrant, expressing confidence that his vision and passion will continue to drive the Foundation's mission to greater heights.

Engr. George Ndifon Abang, PhD, is widely respected for his engineering expertise and humanitarian leadership, serving as the Executive Director of the Abon Abang Foundation, where he has championed initiatives focused on social welfare, empowerment, and community development.

The birthday celebration, according to staff members, is not only a moment to honour the Executive Director but also an opportunity to reaffirm their collective commitment to the Foundation's vision under his leadership.

Yuletide Outreach: Otu’s Wife, Abon Abang Foundation Feed 100 Widows in Obubra, Etung LGAs

By Judex Okoro

In the true spirit of Christmas, the wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Eyoawan Itam Bassey Otu, through her humanitarian initiative, Humanities Without Borders, in partnership with the Abon Abang Foundation, has extended love and compassion to widows in Obubra and Etung Local Government Areas.

The yuletide outreach reached no fewer than 100 widows across the two LGAs, providing food items and other essential support aimed at easing their burden and enabling them to celebrate the season with dignity and joy.

Representing the First Lady during the outreach was Dr. Inyang Asibong, former Commissioner for Health and Special Adviser on NGOs, who led members of the Humanities Without Borders team to the beneficiary communities.

In Obubra Local Government Area, the delegation was formally received by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Leonard Ogwa, alongside members of the council's executive, who commended the gesture and described it as timely and impactful.

Similarly, in Etung Local Government Area, the outreach team was warmly welcomed by the Wife of the Council Chairman, Mrs. Akinne Anom, in the company of the Executive Director of the Abon Abang Foundation, Engr. George Ndifon Abang, PhD.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, Engr. Abang explained that the outreach was conceived to ensure that widows and other vulnerable persons are not left out of the joy associated with the Christmas season.

According to him, "This initiative is about sharing love, warmth, and hope. Christmas teaches us to care for one another, especially those who need our support the most. We will continue to look into the needs of widows and vulnerable persons within our communities."

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Abon Abang Foundation, in collaboration with the First Lady's office, to sustained humanitarian service and interventions that promote dignity and social inclusion.

The outreach drew heartfelt appreciation from beneficiaries, many of whom described the gesture as a source of relief and renewed hope.

One of the beneficiaries from Etung, Mrs. Jessica Agbor, expressed gratitude, saying the support made her feel remembered and valued during a difficult period.

"It is not easy to live without a husband, especially during festive seasons like this," she said. "Sometimes, it feels like the community has forgotten you. But this gesture shows that we are not alone. We sincerely thank the Governor's wife and the Abon Abang Foundation for remembering us."

The outreach further underscored the dedication of Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Eyoawan Itam Bassey Otu, and the Abon Abang Foundation to promoting compassion, inclusion, and social responsibility across communities in Cross River State.