Senator Odey Rings in New Year with Grand Empowerment Drive in Cross River North

Senator Professor Stephen Odey, PhD, Esq., Commissioner for Education in Cross River State, on Sunday marked the dawn of the New Year in grand style as he joined the people of Yache Nation and supporters from across the Local Government Areas of Cross River North in a momentous celebration characterised by generosity, unity, and renewed political commitment.

The New Year gathering, which attracted an overwhelming turnout of party faithful, community leaders, and well-wishers, stood out not merely as a festive occasion but as a powerful demonstration of purposeful leadership. Akahi News gathered that the event was underscored by an extensive empowerment programme aimed at strengthening livelihoods and deepening grassroots support across the senatorial district.

Far-Reaching Empowerment for Grassroots Development

In a gesture that resonated deeply with attendees, Senator Odey distributed cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, over 300 bags of rice, cash support, and several other valuable items to beneficiaries drawn from different communities. The initiative, observers noted, was designed to cushion economic pressures while enabling beneficiaries to pursue sustainable means of livelihood.

According to Akahi News, the empowerment drive reflects Senator Odey’s long-standing belief that meaningful development must be people-centred, inclusive, and anchored at the grassroots level.

Odey Reaffirms Commitment to Cross River North

Addressing the jubilant crowd, Senator Professor Odey extended warm New Year felicitations to the people and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to societal advancement and improved living standards across Cross River North. He emphasised that leadership, in his view, is a sacred trust that must translate into tangible benefits for the people.

The Education Commissioner further pledged his continued loyalty and support to the administration of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, noting that the Governor’s People First mantra mirrors his own philosophy of inclusive growth, empowerment, and sustainable development.

Akahi News learnt that Senator Odey described the present political moment as a critical opportunity to consolidate unity and accelerate development across the state through collective effort and responsive governance.

Dignitaries Laud Exemplary Leadership

The celebration also drew an array of high-profile dignitaries and stakeholders from across the state. Prominent among them was the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Hon. Boniface Okache, who represented His Excellency at the event. He commended Senator Odey for his consistent empowerment initiatives and described him as a “trusted and tested leader whose impact is deeply felt across Cross River North.”

Similarly, Hon. Odey Brian, Member representing Yala I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, extolled Professor Odey’s uncommon generosity and people-oriented leadership style, noting that his actions have continued to inspire confidence among constituents.

Several other top government officials, political leaders, traditional stakeholders, and community representatives were also in attendance, lending further significance to the occasion.

A Celebration Beyond Festivities

Analysts observed that beyond the festivities, the New Year celebration served as a reaffirmation of Senator Odey’s dedication to unity, service to humanity, and sustained engagement with the grassroots. The event, many attendees remarked, reinforced his image as a leader whose politics is firmly rooted in compassion, accessibility, and practical impact.

As Cross River State steps into the New Year with renewed expectations, Akahi News gathered that events such as this underscore the growing emphasis on leadership that prioritises people, empowerment, and long-term development.

Akahi News www.akahinews.org