By Seyi Odewale
Eteng Jonah Williams has distributed a total of ₦77.9 million and 1,200 bags of rice to constituents across six local government areas of Cross River State as part of a Yuletide outreach programme.
The amount comprises ₦76.5 million disbursed directly to community groups and stakeholders across Boki, Etung, Abi, Obubra, Ikom and Yakurr local government areas, as well as ₦1.4 million used to settle hospital bills for indigent patients at public health facilities in the district.
The rice distribution cut across women, youths, persons living with disabilities, traditional rulers, support groups and other critical stakeholders.
The intervention was delivered during town hall meetings held at the respective council secretariats, where the senator interacted with community leaders, party stakeholders and residents on local concerns and development priorities.
Speaking at the meetings, Williams said the outreach was aimed at easing the economic burden on vulnerable residents during the festive season and strengthening engagement with constituents.
“I came to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with my people and to appreciate them for their support,” he said. “These visits help me feel the pulse of the electorate and understand their challenges directly.”
He explained that the tour formed part of his annual constituency engagements and disclosed that free transportation was provided for students and holidaymakers returning to Calabar after the festivities.
He added that various groups, including youths, students, women, support groups and persons with disabilities, were selected to receive ₦500,000 each under the support package.
Williams urged residents to remain resilient in the new year and pledged to prioritise welfare issues.
He also commended stakeholders for their loyalty to Governor Bassey Otu’s administration and promised sustained consultations through regular town hall meetings to discuss development priorities.
The APC chairman in Boki Local Government Area, Chief Kelvin Ijong, and the council chairperson, Mrs Beatrice Nyiam, described the senator as a consistent presence during festive periods and assured him of continued support.
Yakurr council chairman, Hon. Yibala Bassey, pledged continued backing for the senator, while Abi council chairman, Hon. Egballa Bassey, cited benefits from Williams’ scholarship scheme and urged him to use his influence to attract Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) projects to the area.
At Obubra, community leader Chief Alex Ireck called for increased development projects executed by local contractors, expressing optimism that the engagement would open more opportunities for residents.
As part of the outreach, the senator settled ₦1.4 million in medical bills for 24 patients at Eja Memorial Hospital and Obubra General Hospital.
Five patients benefited at Eja Memorial Hospital, while 19 patients at Obubra General Hospital had their bills fully cleared.
Medical superintendents Dr Anthony Ogar of Eja Memorial Hospital and Dr Ekom Francis Ogban of Obubra General Hospital commended the senator for the intervention.
One of the beneficiaries, Madam Blessing Agbor, said, “God has answered our prayers through Senator Eteng. We are grateful for remembering the sick during this Christmas season.”
Williams said the hospital visits were inspired by the season’s message of compassion, recalling that similar bill-clearing interventions were carried out during Easter at public hospitals in Ikom, Abi and Yakurr.
