By Eyo Charles
Ugep, Cross River – The lawmaker who represents Yakurr II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Mercy Akpama has stressed that sustainable development could only be achieved by equipping people with skills, leadership trainings and opportunities to stand on their own.
The lawmaker explained her special focus on students and young people, saying leadership development must begin early if society must witness continuity and progress.
She made this disclosure on Christmas Day in Ugep, capital of Yakurr LGA when she held a town hall meeting and leadership development programme for students as well as other constituents to access free medical care.
Akpama said her style of representation was anchored on empowerment rather than handouts.
“My way of celebrating Christmas is not to share cooked rice and stew but to empower people through skills impartation”, she stated.
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.”
Akpama said she believes in constant engagement with constituents, noting that governance should not be done from a distance.
Akpama said, “My people are my people. We eat together, we play together and we reason together. That, to me, is real politics.
“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.
Keynote speaker, Prof Godwin Igile urged the students and youths generally to uphold true values of respect, godliness, obedience and hard work and desist from quick wealth syndrome.
A beneficiary of the leadership training, Senior Prefect Humble Akpama of Ibaramba Secondary School, Agoi Ibami, expressed gratitude to the lawmaker, saying the programme has inspired them to embrace responsibility and service.
It was the second phase of her constituency training and empowerment engagement, where she reviewee her stewardship.
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