By Abasi Ita
The Cross River Central Senatorial District witnessed widespread jubilation during the Yuletide season as Senator Eteng Jonah Williams rolled out a large scale welfare programme, distributing N76.5 million in cash alongside 1,200 bags of rice to constituents across six local government areas.
The Senator, who represents Cross River Central in the National Assembly, said the initiative was aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship and ensuring that families across the district enjoyed the festive period.
Communities in Boki, Etung, Abi, Obubra, Ikom and Yakurr local government areas benefited from the intervention. Records from the distribution indicate that Boki, Etung and Abi received N12.5 million each, totalling N37.5 million, while Obubra, Ikom and Yakurr got N13 million each, amounting to N39 million. In addition, 200 bags of rice were allocated to each local government area.
According to the organisers, beneficiaries included persons living with disabilities, women, youths, community support groups, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at various stakeholder engagements held during the distribution, Senator Eteng explained that the annual yuletide outreach has become a platform for direct interaction with constituents and a means of strengthening trust between the people and their representative.
He noted that the visits provide an opportunity to assess community needs firsthand and to shape his legislative and constituency interventions around the realities on ground.
The Senator thanked constituents for their continued support and assured them that their welfare remains a top priority. He urged residents to remain hopeful and resilient as they prepare for the challenges of the new year, promising sustained focus on people oriented policies and programmes.
Stakeholders across the district expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a demonstration of responsive and inclusive leadership.
In Yakurr, the Council Chairman, Hon. Yibala Bassey, commended the Senator for his consistent presence across all local government areas in the district, assuring him of the continued support of the Yakurr people.
At the Abi Council Hall, the Council Chairman, Hon. Egballa Bassey, praised Senator Eteng for what he described as impactful representation, noting that many youths in the area have benefited from his scholarship programme.
He also appealed to the Senator to use his influence to attract more development projects to Abi, particularly from intervention agencies, while assuring that the communities remain peaceful and conducive for development efforts.
In Obubra, community leader Chief Alex Ireck lauded the Senator for celebrating the festive season with the people, expressing optimism that the engagement would translate into increased development opportunities for Obubra indigenes.
The yuletide outreach, observers noted, further reinforces Senator Eteng’s approach to representation built on grassroots engagement, welfare support and sustained interaction with constituents across Cross River Central Senatorial District.