BY Sonnie Okem
In a show of compassion and commitment to grassroots empowerment, the Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Her Excellency Bishop (Dr.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has cleared the backlog of allowances owed to workers of the Ogoja Urban Development Authority (OUDA) by the previous administration.
Addressing the gathering during her visit to Ogoja Local Government Area, the First Lady stated that the current administration had put mechanisms in place to ensure regular and timely payment of staff benefits. She emphasized that the gesture was aimed at boosting worker morale and productivity, urging the workforce to reciprocate government’s goodwill by remaining dedicated and efficient in service delivery.
In addition to the cleared allowances, Bishop Otu distributed Point of Sale (POS) devices to OUDA workers, persons living with disabilities, and local women entrepreneurs. She also donated food items, wrappers, and cash palliatives worth Millions of Naira, aimed at cushioning the prevailing economic hardship and stimulating small-scale economic activities in the area.
Her Excellency encouraged the beneficiaries to use the POS machines and seed capital responsibly as a means of livelihood, thereby supporting local economic growth. She reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu to uplifting the less privileged and empowering communities through sustainable initiatives.
Welcoming the First Lady and her entourage, the Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Christopher Agbeh, expressed heartfelt appreciation for her continued support to the people of Ogoja. Describing her as a “dedicated mother of the state,” the Chairman lauded her relentless efforts in bringing hope and meaningful interventions to rural dwellers.
In a gesture of appreciation, Chief Agbeh pledged parcels of land to Her Excellency for the establishment of a private residence and cassava farm in the area. He also requested that she convey the community’s deep gratitude to the Governor for his selfless and people-oriented leadership.
The highpoint of the event was the distribution of POS devices with starter capital, food items, wrappers, and cash donations, alongside the physical disbursement of monthly stipends to OUDA workers.