19 February 2020
—Cross River lawmaker empowers constituents with cars, tricycle, machines, farm implements
—Beneficiary agro-cooperatives numbering over 40
—Women to be prioritised soon
Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo the member representing Akampka/Biase Federal Constituency at the National Assembly NASS, has presented three (3) Hilux, thirty five (35) tricycles, seven (7) motor-bikes and other farm implements ranging from Wheel-barrows, Sprayers, Cutlases, Shovels amongst others worth N120 Million NEGROIDHAVEN can say authoritatively.
In an interview with pressmen, Asuquo said the latest empowerment is a need assessment resolve to train people, build capacity that will in turn build others, make them self-reliant in the nearest future, stressing that with the aid of Cross River Basin Development Authority, this empowerment is for some carefully selected co-operatives who had applied for support in the area of agriculture and not an empowerment for individuals.
Asuquo who intimated that another empowerment is coming up soon with focus on women said this empowerment is in fulfilment of his promises to his constituents during the electioneering campaigns to give back to the society and carry everybody along in his life and success.
According to the PDP Lawmaker, 'We are also training those who want to start up businesses, the small and medium scale entrepreneurs will be supported with grants of single digit interest through the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. About 100 indicated interest and I know that 50 have been invited for interviews. Empowerment has been part of us', Asuquo explained.
Former State PDP chairman, Ntufam Achot Okon who witnessed the occassion described it as people-oriented programme while describing the National Assembly member as an embodiment of a true representative.
In a remark, the Acting Executive Director, Cross River State Basin Development Authority CRSBDA, Mr Bassy Ekpo represented by Engr. Bassey Nkposong who praised Hon. Asuquo said his proactive disposition has led CRBDA to implement more programmes in the constituency adding that the gesture demonstrated today shows a good working relationship between the member and the people of Akampka/Biase Federal Constituency.
Ekpo enjoined other politicians to emulate him to reduce unemployment especially now that white collar jobs are no where.
Ekpo urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the equipment for maximum productivity and to continue to support him in their future aspirations.
Mr Paulinus Ekpo Offiong, Chairman, Akamkpa-Oban Multi-purpose Co-operative society, a beneficiary while appreciating the Member of Parliament said empowerment is no longer new to them when it has to do with their leader. He expressed confidence that his cooperative will make proper use of the equipment received.
The benefiting cooperative societies numbered about 40 with at least 10 members include; Efa-Eya Abayoung, Akampka-Oban, amongest others.