In a grand display of communal spirit and political leadership, the Commissioner for Education and former Senator representing Cross River North, Professor Stephen Odey, hosted the people of Yache nation for a New Year celebration marked by significant philanthropic gestures and the launch of multi-million naira empowerment initiatives.
The event, which drew a massive crowd of stakeholders, traditional rulers, and residents from across the five local government areas of the senatorial district, featured the distribution of vehicles, motorcycles, sewing machines, and millions of naira in cash grants.
Delivering a passionate address at his country home, Senator Odey emphasized that his generosity was not born out of an excess of wealth, but as a reward for the unwavering loyalty and honesty of his people. He pledged his continued support for the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, noting that the Governor’s People First mantra aligns perfectly with his vision of inclusive growth, empowerment, and sustainable development.
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“I’ve been doing this several times. It is not because I have too much, but it is to give back for your loyalty, your honesty, and your commitment,” Odey stated.
The Senator use the opportunity to advise the youth and political associates against “double standards” and political nomadism. Using a metaphor of the difficulty of fetching water in his youth versus the ease of modern boreholes, he urged his followers to remain steadfast. “When you are with people, try to stay in one place. Hold yourself so that somebody can speak something good about you,” he added.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of high-value items and cash aimed at boosting the local economy and supporting traditional institutions. The Senator’s intervention included the donation of a brand new car to the newly installed Clan Head of Yache to facilitate his duties and movement within the kingdom.
32 sewing machines were distributed to local women to encourage self-reliance and vocational growth. 17 brand new motorcycles were handed over for distribution across the five local government areas of Cross River North. Over 300 bags of rice were distributed to the six clans and 33 polling units of Yache.
Senator Odey also announced over 4 million naira in direct cash gifts, including 1 million naira for Yache women, 1 million naira for Yache stakeholders, 600,000 naira for visiting chiefs, 500,000 naira for the APC Yache ward, and 500,000 naira for the Yache Youth Forum.
The Commissioner specifically lauded the women of Yache for their resilience, saying, “If you see the kind of support I get from these women, I don’t get tired of them. They are the most trusted people. When people try backstabbing me, they don’t accept.”
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Boniface Okache, who represented Governor Bassey Otu at the occasion, described Senator Odey as a leader of “unparalleled character” in Cross River State.
“Senator Odey is challenging the political class by demonstrating leadership always,” Okache said. “He is challenging us in the spirit of sharing, proving that you might not be a multimillionaire before you start providing for your brothers and sisters.”
Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Brian Odey, member representing Yala I State Constituency, expressed his admiration for the Senator’s consistency. “Prof is leading us well. He surprises us on a daily basis, year in and year out. The Yala people are with you,” he declared.
The President General of Yache Youths, Frank Alim Okpe, remarked that the gesture was a “significant moment” for Yala Local Government Area, noting that the community remains “brave” under Odey’s guidance.
The event also saw the official handover of a donated operational office to the APC ward headquarters, fulfilling the Senator’s promise to provide the party with a permanent base in the area.
