My journey in life and leadership began as a young girl with a deep passion for community development and service to humanity.
This passion led me into the NGO/CSO space, where I gained valuable experience working directly with communities—mobilising, educating, and empowering people, especially women and youths. That foundation shaped my understanding of real needs at the grassroots and strengthened my commitment to making a difference.
My First Tenure in Office
During my first tenure as Councillor, I focused on creating opportunities and responding to immediate community needs. Some of my key contributions include:
– Supporting 10 youths to apply for and successfully benefit from the Federal Government Survival Fund (₦30,000 and ₦50,000 grants).
– Partnering with a team from Winrock International to organise a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with 15 fish farmers, amplifying their voices and challenges.
– Organising the International Day of the Girl Child, where 1,000 (customised) exercise books, pens, and sanitary pads were distributed to support education and hygiene.
– Moving a motion on COVID-19 awareness creation for border communities in Bakassi LGA during the global health crisis.
– Serving as a member of the Fact-Finding Committee on the negative effects of Lafarge activities, including a visit to Esuk Aye Community.
– Distribution of energy-efficient cooking stoves to 20 women.
– As a member house committee on Health then, I partnered with Marie Stopes Nigeria to refer women with children bearing/family needs.
These experiences strengthened my leadership capacity and deepened my resolve to serve more effectively.
My Second Term: as Councillor & Leader of Legislative Council
In my second term, I was entrusted not only as a councillor but also as the Leader of the Bakassi 7th Legislative Council.
This dual responsibility has allowed me to expand my impact both at the community and legislative levels.
Personal Achievements as Councillor:
– Distribution of educational materials to over 100 pupils and payment of school fees for 15 pupils at Government Primary School, Ekpri Ikang.
– Creating awareness on building self-esteem among the boy child during the International Day of the Boy Child, alongside the distribution of hygiene materials.
– Supporting 20 farmers with funds for coffee seedlings to boost agricultural productivity.
– Successfully organised a one-day interactive town hall meeting with constituents to strengthen engagement and accountability.
– Serving as a facilitator on International Day of the Girl Child, speaking on “Empowering the Girl Child to be Bold and Confident.”
– Partnering with Centre LSD under the WIFE project to establish a cooperative supporting women, men, and youths in frontline extractive communities (ongoing).
– Promoting sustainable livelihoods through home gardening initiatives, particularly in pepper farming.
– Collaborating with HOMEF Abuja to train 250 farmers across the 10 political wards on organic farming practices.
Achievements as Leader of the Bakassi 7th Legislative Council
Under my leadership, the Assembly has demonstrated strong legislative performance, successfully:
– Moving 7 impactful motions
Passing 4 byelaws within just one year in office
This reflects our collective commitment to governance that delivers results.
The Future: A Bigger Vision for Bakassi
My journey has been defined by service, impact, and results.
I have grown from grassroots engagement to legislative leadership, and my capacity continues to speak through my work.
Today, I am inspired to take this experience further by aspiring to represent Bakassi State Constituency at the Cross River State House of Assembly, CRSHA. I believe that with the right platform, I can amplify the voices of my people, attract greater development, and continue championing the needs of our communities through –legislation, representation and oversight.
I remain committed to service.
I remain committed to Bakassi.
The journey continues.
Rt. Hon. Grace Etim Bassey
Councillor, Ward 7 & Leader of 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly
