The Member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Rep. Peter Akpanke, has hosted a mammoth crowd at the Obudu Local Government Secretariat during a special Christmas and New Year celebration organised in honour of his constituents.
The well-attended event formed part of the lawmaker’s annual tradition of celebrating with his people and giving back during the festive season. As part of the yuletide package, Rep. Akpanke donated Five Million Naira (₦5,000,000) and 300 bags of rice to each of the three local government areas—Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku—bringing the total cash support to ₦15 million. He also provided ₦100,000 business support grants to 33 women drawn from across the constituency to boost small-scale enterprises and livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, Akpanke explained that although official engagements kept him occupied during the Christmas and New Year period, he considered it imperative to begin the year by reconnecting with his constituents, in keeping with his long-standing commitment to grassroots engagement.
“Although we celebrated Christmas earlier as a political party and I was unable to be physically present at the time, I sent my contribution and resolved to start the new year with my people,” he said. “This is something I have consistently done over the years as part of my commitment to giving back and remaining connected to the grassroots.”
He added that the New Year celebration was designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship and strengthen community bonds.
“As part of the New Year celebration, a total of ₦5 million has been released alongside 300 bags of rice for each local government area. In addition, I have approved ₦100,000 business support for 33 women to empower them economically and support their livelihoods,” Akpanke stated.
The event attracted an array of political leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders from across the constituency. Among those in attendance were Hon. Peter Undiandeye, Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area; Hon. Sunny Ayang, Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area; Hon. Rhoda Ashong, Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area; and HRH Utsu Felix Okudare, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu, alongside other royal fathers and members of the clergy.
Also present were APC chapter chairmen from the three local governments, Hon. Kenneth Aklah, Special Adviser to the Governor on Aviation; Hon. Boniface Eweh, immediate past Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area; Hon. Adida Agabi; support groups and numerous party faithful.
Rep. Akpanke used the occasion to appreciate the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his leadership, support and sustained commitment to the welfare and development of the people of the state.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leadership, the federal lawmaker welcomed into the party Hon. Atsua Francis, Chapter Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Obudu, and Mrs. Victoria Afebende Ushaka, who defected from the PDP alongside their supporters.
“They have joined us to work collectively for the success of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu,” Akpanke said.
It would be recalled that during the Christmas and New Year festivities, Rep. Akpanke had also paid courtesy visits to key leaders from the constituency in Calabar, where he distributed festive hampers and support as part of his broader yuletide outreach programme.
