By Kelvin Obambon
The Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, has ushered in the year 2026 with a message of hope, resilience, and a renewed pledge to prioritize “service above self” for his constituents.
In a New Year message released on Thursday, the Senator reflected on the economic landscape of 2025, acknowledging the challenges faced by Nigerians while praising the “internationally acknowledged economic reforms” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Addressing the current economic climate, Senator Ekpenyong expressed deep gratitude for the resilience shown by the people of Cross River South.
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“While the economic reforms have begun to stabilize key fundamentals of our economy, we recognize that the benefits are still filtering down to positively impact the daily lives for all Nigerians,” the Senator stated. He also commended Governor Bassey Otu for his “steady and focused leadership” in delivering measurable progress for the state despite prevailing difficulties.
Highlighting his legislative work in the Senate over the past year, the lawmaker pointed to several people-centered initiatives, including the factoring regulation bill aimed at unlocking financing for small businesses; digital economy advocacy that challenges the rising costs of internet data to support the youth, among others.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Senator emphasized his efforts to strengthen accountability within the Commission.
On the infrastructure front, he reported significant progress on critical transport arteries. “We facilitated emergency interventions by the NDDC on the Odukpani Junction-Uyanga-Ehom Federal Highway and the Idundu bridge-Oban Road,” he noted, adding that budgetary provisions have now been secured for the Oban-Ekang Highway.
The Senator’s report card for 2025 also featured extensive constituency interventions designed to ease the burden of the high cost of living. Key achievements mentioned include the installation of over 10,000 solar-powered streetlights and new boreholes across all seven LGAs; the continuation of a free bus transportation program and several free medical outreach missions.
Others include the distribution of fertilizers to farmers, along with grinding and sewing machines for MSMEs; and the facilitation of scholarships for students both locally and abroad, alongside securing federal employment opportunities for the youth.
Looking ahead, Senator Ekpenyong reaffirmed his partnership with the people of Cross River South. He said “I remain deeply grateful for your trust and support. With humility and renewed determination, I reaffirm my commitment to walking this journey in partnership with you as we build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous future together.”
The Senator ended his message by wishing all families across the district peace, good health, and prosperity for the year 2026.
