The Special Adviser (SA) on General Duties to Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, has disbursed over five million naira (N5,000,000) in financial support which was presented to 60 beneficiaries selected across Odukpani Local Government Area (LGA) in an amazing show of benevolence and appreciation for their long-time loyalty to the governor.
The presentation ceremony which took place at Akpap Okoyong in Odukpani LGA, was attended by the Executive Secretary of Calabar Urban Development Agency (CUDA), Chief Dr. Ayi Etim Effiong, legislative leaders, ward councillors, All Progressives Congress (APC) ward chairmen, and Mrs. Esther Akiba, the adorable wife of the SA on General Duties to the governor.
Beneficiaries of the initiative by the governor’s aide which seeks to reward long-time supporters of Governor Otu, were said to have received varying amount of N50,000, N100,000 and N200,000 meant to assist them in their individual needs.
According to the SA, “There was various categories of financial support for 60 beneficiaries ranging from N50,000, N100,000 to N200,000. The money is to support them in trading, farming, Medicare, and tuition fees as the case may be. The beneficiaries were drawn across Odukpani local government with majority from Okoyong block which is my block. It is called Loyalty Support to Governor Bassey Otu’s followers over the years. The next phase of the initiative will be distribution of empowerment items.
“This is an effort to share the benefits from the governor to the people who have always supported him and continue to do so. I sincerely thank the governor and his wife, Bishop Eyoawoan Otu for granting me the privilege and opportunity to serve Cross Riverians in the People-First administration, and the enablement to reach out.”
Akiba, the legal pundit was quoted to have said: “In the next edition, farming equipment will be part of the donations. I remain profoundly grateful to His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, and his dear wife for the privilege and platform to serve.
“This empowerment is possible only because of the Governor’s enabling environment and commitment to the ‘People-First’ agenda. Today, we are extending the benefits of his government to the very people who have always stood by him.”
The recipients of the financial support from Barrister Akiba were filled with great joy and excitement. Applauding the SA for his kind-heartedness and desire to extend empowerment to the grassroots, they vowed that the funds would be judiciously used to enhance their livelihood.
Akiba, an outspoken lawyer and astute politician known for his dogged approach as a frontline partaker in the pursuit of the actualization of the People-First agenda of the Otu-led administration, has been hailed and commended by many for the humane gesture, which is believed to highlight the inclusive development drive of the Cross River governor.
The legal expert who has conferred with different awards and honours for his service to humanity and contributions to societal advancement, is seen as one of the top appointees in Otu’s government that have consistently shown love and support to the longstanding followers of the governor at the grassroots level.
In February for instance, the Chairman of Cross River State Special Advisers Forum on his birthday celebrated in his hometown, gave financial assistance to 60 dedicated supporters of Otu, with 30 getting N100,000 each and the rest 30 receiving N50,000 each.