CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey was elected as a member of the House of Representatives by the good people of Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency in 2023.
Two years under review of this critical national assignment, the lawmaker has kept faith with his people, consulting with them, promoting human capital development in the federal constituency, attracting much-needed development, and supporting the growth of basic/tertiary education in the area.
To demonstrate his passion for the upliftment of education in the federal constituency, Hon. Bassey marked his swearing-in day by donating 10 million naira to support 30 secondary schools and several primary schools in Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South Local Government Areas.
He explained that 10 secondary schools from each local government area were chosen for the educational support fund.
Some of the amazing benefits/projects he has executed in the federal constituency include;
- I.C.T Center (Government Science College, Mayne Avenue).
- Scholarship program: 855 Pupils and Secondary school students in Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South.
- Solar-powered boreholes: in Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South.
- Six classroom blocks in Idundu, Akpabuyo.
- Two Classroom Blocks at Government Secondary School, Efut Abua, Calabar South.
- Three Classroom Blocks at Edgerly Balantyne School, Anderson Street, Calabar South.
- 2 Classroom Blocks in Ikot Eneyo Secondary School, Akpabuyo.
- 3000 Solar – Panel lights across ABC.
- 1,555 beneficiaries from
Educational Support programme across ABC including books and reading materials. - Philanthropic activities ( the list is endless).
- cash support to Beneficiaries
in Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South. - Empowerment of 600 Women, and youths across Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South in Poultry Farming with a total of 30,000 birds (thirty thousand) feeds, feeders, and drinking cans as starters to support their businesses.
- Facilitate International Scholarships for 5 deserving Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South students
- Motions: 8 i.e calling on the Nigerian police force to reinstate a constituent who was wrongfully dismissed. Calling on the federal government to compensate the people of Bakassi in perpetuity for the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroun. Calling on the Federal Government and Julius Berger to expedite the construction work on Calabar Itu Highway way etc.
- Bills: 5 ( 3 at the last stage I.e Federal University of Agriculture Akpabuyo, Federal College of Aquaculture Akpabuyo, Federal Institute of Artisans Calabar South LGA)
- Employment: Facilitated employment for constituents in the following: A) Nigerian Army, B) Nigerian Police, C) NEMA, D) NPC, E) Civil Service, F) Fire Service, G) Civil Defense
- Training and empowerment of over 1000 artisans in hairdressing, makeup, and fashion design amongst others. Giving of starter packs, hair dryers, makeup boxes, kits, and chairs.
No doubt, Hon. Bassey’s 2 years in the Green Chambers have been unprecedented, characterized by effective representation and accessibility.
In his words, “the primary duty and function of a legislature is to make and pass laws, while maintaining collaboration with the executive arm of government”.
On this note, he expressed his sincere appreciation to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. He thanked the Governor for giving a listening ear each time he presented to him the concerns of the people whether directly or through his Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar. Some of the developments like the construction of roads, health centres, and others have helped in improving the lives and welfare of the people of the federal constituency.
With the support of his constituents, the lawmaker is poised to do more in attracting development and enhancing the well-being of his people.