In what could be described as attempting the impossible, Hon. Theresa Akwaji Ushie, the Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area has placed Bekwarra on a speed lane for total transformation. Poised to make a difference and set a standard beyond the usual, Hon. Theresa has defied all odds to make a loud statement loud enough to announce her willingness and readiness to serve. Undeterred by the prevailing economic circumstances in Nigeria and the overwhelming expectations back at home, the fine Bekwarra Leader is passionately committed to putting Bekwarra at the very top with her Aggressive Rural Transformation Agenda.
Those familiar with leadership expectations in Bekwarra Local Government before the 2024 LG elections would agree that the task ahead was indeed an uphill task. Expectations ranging from improved Social Amenities, Infrastructures, Education, Healthcare Services, Security, Agriculture, etc, were in high anticipation. In understanding these expectations and in keeping with her campaign promises, Hon. Ushie kicked the ground running immediately after assuming office as the executive chairman of Bekwarra LGA in fulfilment of her social contracts with the good people of Bekwarra who have entrusted her with their mandate.
As we mark the first 100 days in office of this Great Amazon, it is important to highlight some of her major achievements and to also give the public a clue of the short and long-term plans for the future. This is for accountability and transparency as required by public stewardship.
Some of her giant strides are summarized below:
INFRASTRUCTURE
In understanding the importance of infrastructure in the success of other sectors and the huge deficit in infrastructure across the local government, the Hon. Theresa Ushie-led administration is very deliberate on infrastructural development. This necessitated the launching of Operation One Road at a Time. The operation is targeted at totally rehabilitating all rural tracks by starting with one road at a time to attend to every other road.
Some of the roads rehabilitated so far in the operation one road at a time include:
– Afrike Ward 1 (Okpeche-Adagom road = 6.9km)
– Gakem Ward (Ilaah village road = 1.4km)
– Abukpem Road through Gakem town hall = 300m
– Beten – Akpakpa – Abuana – Oloko road = 9km
– Ugidi Market = 560 square meters
Total = 17.6km
The essence of rehabilitating these all-important rural tracks can never be overstated, especially in the recent agro revolution occasioned by the cocoa boom. The Afrike Okpeche road, for example, is beyond just an access road, but a catalyst for rural agricultural prosperity. The road is a major link between the cocoa-producing communities in Afrike and Adagom in Ogoja local government. It serves as an evacuation route for agricultural products and a commercial lifeline for the rural areas.
Similarly, the Ilaah road in Gakem is not just a connecting road for hinterlands and roadside dwellers. It also serves as an alternative route to neighbouring communities in Vandeikya LGA of Benue State. The commercial implication of this is that the road will further enhance inter-communal trade, thereby boosting commercial activities between communities in Bekwarra and Benue State. It will also serve as an evacuation corridor for farm products and livestock, making Bekwarra a melting point for producers and buyers of all sorts of farm products.
The Beten-Akpakpa-Abuana Oloko road is often mistaken for a trunk A road due to its enormous importance. Sadly, it is one of the most neglected areas in Cross River State. The Akpakpa community was one of the biggest commercial hubs in Bekwarra during the colonial era. Its rich agricultural land, palm oil, and kernel made it a commercial delight for merchants. The carcass of the John Holt Company can still be found in the ancient community years after its abandonment by successive governments. All thanks to Hon. Theresa Ushie for bringing hope alive to people who have been neglected and forgotten.
The rehabilitation of the Akpakpa-Abuana-Oloko road has been adjudged by many as the most impactful project in many decades; this is a clear testament that the LG boss truly understands and feels that pulse of the people and is on the right track to reaching their most desired needs.
Aside from linking the hinterlands with commercial activities, the Akpakpa road is an alternative route to Yala Local Government through Yache. The rehabilitation of this all-important road is a huge relief to the majority of the traders who were largely constrained by the challenges of going through Ogoja to Okuku and then to Yahe amidst the biting cost of transportation. The Akpakpa rehabilitated road is a game changer for inter-communal trade and other socioeconomic exchange.
Also, as part of infrastructural enhancement and aesthetics, the Bekwarra Local Government Council Secretariat is wearing a new and befitting look. This is made possible by an ongoing renovation work. The council staff are more comfortable in their place of work and are more proud to be associated with the council now than ever!
CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLES
As part of fulfilling her campaign promises, especially to villages battling with poor hygiene occasioned by lack of potable water, Hon. Theresa Ushie has again put words into action by drilling boreholes in the following locations:
– Nyanya Ward
– Beten Ward
– St. Gregory’s Primary School, Ikanda
EDUCATION
As part of the moves to revamp quality educational services, especially in primary schools, a cluster of the Asset Recovery Committee comprising mostly professional teachers was designated to tour all public primary schools in Bekwarra to have an on-the-spot assessment of all the school blocks to improve on the teaching condition of the pupils. Reports and recommendations have been made, plans are underway to implement them and carry out interventions in selected schools, while new schools shall be established in communities where there are none.
HEALTH
Upon assumption of office as chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Hon. Theresa set up the Quality Healthcare Advisory Committee. The committee, which is headed by the Supervisor For Health, has a mandate to liaise with other health professionals in Bekwarra to put together modalities to engage the state government on the continuous running of the only general hospital in Bekwarra by private individuals. Insisting that the Bekwarra deserves a well-equipped general hospital like every other one across the state.
Similarly, plans are underway to give facelifts to some health centres where repairs are needed. With plans to ensure that health workers get the needed equipment to function optimally.
COMMERCE
The current leadership of Hon. Theresa Akwaji Ushie is very deliberate about developing and advancing commercial activities in Bekwarra. Understanding our strategic location as a gateway linking the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria, the council boss is leveraging this advantage to create an enabling environment for North-South trade. The current grading and expansion of Ugidi Market is one of the steps toward encouraging commercial growth in Bekwarra and creating more opportunities for investment and self-reliance among young entrepreneurs.
SECURITY
The Executive Chairman made it clear on her first security meeting with all heads of security agencies, upon assumption of office that the security of the lives and properties in Bekwarra is her utmost priority. In keeping with her words, she has maintained good communication and has been very supportive in their operations to maintain peace.
As measures to safeguard public properties from thieves and criminals, plans are almost concluded to have solar-powered security lights in all public properties such as Schools, Health centres, Electricity transformers, etc. This move is intended to illuminate the areas against criminal elements who operate mostly in the dark of the night.
ENVIRONMENT
Bekwarra Local Government under Hon. Theresa Ushie is the first local government outside the two local governments in the calabar metropolis to embrace the State Government’s policy of monthly sanitation. The monthly sanitation was formally launched in Bekwarra with a unity walk for a cleaner and healthier Bekwarra in January 2025.
Hon. Theresa Akwaji Ushie’s led administration is characterized by genuine love for one’s people, deep passion for service and undying quest for success. In a show of her compassionate love, the amiable leader presented cash gifts and other valuable items to wives of our fallen heroes in commemoration of the recent Armed Forces Remembrance Day. To further honour our fallen heroes in truth, a giant cenotaph in honour of our fallen heroes has been erected at the Bekwarra Council Secretariat.
The first 100 days in office of Queen Mother Theresa, as she is fondly called by her numerous supporters and admirers, have been nothing short of remarkable. As the first female chairman of Bekwarra LGA, her emergence brought so much uncertainty as expected from any male-dominated society. However, Hon. Theresa Akwaji Ushie has proven to all that leadership is about the passion and readiness to serve and not a gender role.
While Bekwarra is boozing in excitement of her innovative leadership skills, she insists her best is yet to come, because she’s only getting started.
