Cross River Lawmaker Distributes Minibuses, Tricycles to Constituents
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong distributed minibuses, tricycles, and cash to constituents as part of an empowerment program.
- The initiative aims to complement President Tinubu's and Governor Otu's development efforts by improving economic well-being.
- Beneficiaries were urged not to sell the capital items but to maintain them for long-term family support.
The Punch highlights Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong's commitment to his constituents in Cross River South through a significant empowerment program. This initiative, involving the distribution of minibuses, tricycles, and cash, directly addresses the economic needs of the people, reflecting a hands-on approach to governance.
What we are doing is just to complement the efforts and the wonderful works of His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, and our dear Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu.
The senator's emphasis on complementing the development agenda of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu positions this empowerment drive within a broader national and state-level strategy for economic upliftment. By providing capital items and grants for start-ups, the program aims to foster self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods, moving beyond mere political patronage.
Today, we are here to train our young men and women in skills acquisition, give grants for start-ups, and empower our people with capital items, from minibuses to keke napep.
Ekpenyong's directive to beneficiaries – "Do not sell these capital items. Do not kill the goose that lays the golden egg" – underscores the program's long-term vision. This advice speaks to the importance of responsible asset management and the desire to create lasting economic impact rather than short-term gains.
Do not sell these capital items. Do not kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Maintain them and sustain your family for months and years to come. If you sell them off, you end up with a one-time gain.
From a Nigerian perspective, such empowerment programs are vital for addressing unemployment and poverty, particularly among the youth. The collaborative effort with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) further signifies a multi-stakeholder approach to development. The Punch's coverage captures the tangible impact of these initiatives, showcasing how political leaders are actively working to fulfill campaign promises and improve the economic standing of their constituents.
This is done by stakeholders so that it does not look like we are imposing people, but that these names are brought forward from the grassroots.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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