By Ekeng Inyang
In line with the People’s First Agenda and His Excellency’s commitment to rural development in Cross River State, Senator (Apostle) Prince Bassey Edet Otu on Thursday 22nd May, 2025 commissioned micro projects facilitated by the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) in Bakassi and Odukpani local government areas.
The interventions are a way of government alleviating the sufferings of communities in the areas of health, education, water and sanitation which are critical social infrastructure sectors needed for development at the rural level.
Speaking on the grounds of the commissioning in Ifiang Ayong community in Bakassi LGA, His Excellency, Senator (Apostle) Prince Bassey Edet Otu, ably represented by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Cordination, Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata stated that the beneficiary communities stand to benefit even more interventions as they stay focused and united in an effort to boost rural development at the community level. He charged the communities to maintain and sustain the projects so that they can stand the test of time.
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While welcoming the dignitaries to Bakassi LGA, the Honourable Chairman of Council, Hon. Effiong Etim Okon thanked God for the opportunity to witness the commissioning of such a dream project. He appreciated the CSDA for fulfilling the promises and desires of His Excellency by facilitating the interventions.
Present in Adiabo Okurikang community, the Special Adviser to His Excellency on General Duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba acknowledged that His Excellency is always responsive to leadership. He stated that in line with the season of sweetness, it is timely that community development be brought to the beneficiary communities so as to allow them access potable water, conducive learning environment and stand health facilities.
Also speaking, the Board Chairman of the CSDA, High Chief Cyril Anthony Asuquo stated that His Excellency cares a lot about the people that is why he gave an express directive for the Agency to intervene after the communities applied for assistance. He thanked His Excellency for his continued support.
The General Manager of the CSDA, Mr. Fidel Udie highlighted the key processes followed in line with the Community Driven Development approach which the Agency utilizes in order to support communities as they implement their self-help projects. He stated that the Agency has the mandate to assist communities to have access to basic social infrastructure services in several sectors including health, education, water and sanitation, amongst others.
In Adiabo Okurikang community in Odukpani LGA, Agency facilitated the construction of a five compartment self contain staff quarters for teachers and the provision of a solar powered borehole.
In Ifiang Nsung community in Bakassi LGA, Agency facilitated the rehabilitation and furnishing of a six classroom block and the rehabilitation of a solar powered borehole.
In Ifiang Ayong community, the construction of an ultra modern market with 30 open stalls, 5 lockup stores and one unit four compartment WC toilet, alongside the provision of a solar powered borehole was achieved.
The CSDA has been able to support 49 micro projects in 13 local government areas across the State, thanks to the People’s First Agenda. These micro projects underscore governments desire to utilize the CSDA as an efficient platform to intervene in hard to reach rural communities across the State.
Beneficiaries of the interventions had a few words of appreciation to give to His Excellency and by extension, all stakeholders who facilitated the projects. In Ifiang Ayong, Madam Comfort Emmanuel Edem prayed God to bless His Excellency and move his administration to greater heights.
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