In her efforts to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic which has taken a toll on global economy, Cross River State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon Mrs Stella Oreme Odey-Ekpo on Saturday excited Yala farmers with distribution of Fertilizers, Herbicides (Agrochemicals), and other farming inputs for increased yield in the farming season.
Odey-Ekpo, also distributed hand sanitizers, nose masks, as well as cash donations to the farmer at the COVID-19 palliative exercise which was held at her political ward, Ugaga, in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.
According to her, full preparation for Post COVID-19 era through active farming should be paramount at this point, especially now that the state has maintained its COVID-19 free status. Adding, this is due to the fact that, the price of oil which is our nation’s major source of revenue is drastically deflating by the day as a result of the effects of the novel Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world.
Odey and her team including Ward leaders painstakingly toured the 14 polling units that formed Ugaga-ward, personally distributing the items to various unit by herself, an act she explicitly stated that, was for the purpose of interfacing and appreciation for the people’s overwhelming support in 2019 general elections that saw all her party’s candidates especially her boss Prof. Sen. Ben Ayade, executive Governor of Cross River State, emerging victorious.
She said, “I’m not here for any political activity, I only felt the need to meet with my people who have been of immense support to her. Hon. Odey elatedly appreciated His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for the opportunity to serve, enjoining the people to continue to support His Excellency, ‘Mr. Project’, for the betterment of the state. Odey equally thanked, His Excellency and members of COVID-19 taskforce team for their proactiveness that has kept CRS COVID19 free. “It is indeed a commendable capacity that will stand the test of time”
Leaders of Polling units confirmed that, After the 2019 general elections, Odey has been sending her widow’s might to the people through their unit leaders as appreciation – an act the people concurred and instantly appreciated overwhelmingly with a cheer and clap. “Hon. Odey has sent cow, cash, rice, and other items to them after 2019 election, most recently, at the wake of the global lockdown due to COVID-19 she sent cash which was shared to the people. She has also facilitated the appointment of many Ugaga-ward sons and daughters in Sir. Ayade’s Government, gave scholarship, etc, all with her personal salary as a none elective office holder, We are grateful ma”.
Being aware of COVID-19 horrible impact on the world already, you will totally agree with Hon. Stella Odey on this pattern of Palliatives. The post COVID19 will no doubt have its impact, but for the people of Ugaga-ward in Yala LGA, Hon. Stella Odey has adequately prepared them for post Covid-19 era, and there will be food for them and other Cross Riverians to eat.Yam, rice, pasta, garri, etc as Palliatives are fine but there are not long term Palliatives. What Hon. Stella has done is the best thing to do at this perilous time of global economic woe owing to the deadly pandemic.
A former councilor of Ugaga-ward, Presently, Special Adviser on environment to the Government of Cross River State, Hon. Sunday Ojiho who anchored the event, stated that, he was flaggabasted by the generosity of Hon. Odey, “Her style of Palliatives is one of its kind, the way to go this sickening time”. Hon. Ijiho emphasised that, “the Palliatives are not Political hence there wouldn’t be shared on the alter of political sentiment. “Everyone will benefit from it, we are one irrespective of Political party, this is no time for Politics but for governance, and governance is everyone’s entitlement”. “It is a commendable feat, though not new to us, as she has been doing this just like her father; the ‘Ogalama Ogalama 1’ of Yala, a one time lawmaker who by divine Providence she is following same path”.
Former Ugaga-ward PDP chapter Chairman, Hon. Oko Ijere amongst others, commended Hon. Stella for her amazing futuristic cushioning kindness to her people.
Conclusively, Hon. Odey thanked the people for believing in her and the present Government. She enjoined the people to continue to strictly adhere to all precautionary/preventive measures as directed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC and the ‘No mask no movement order’ by His Excellency, for the aim of preventing COVID-19. She equally shared and praticalised the use of Nose masks and hand sanitizer.
The tour ended in her Yala residence with regurgitating refreshment.
The Commissioner, was accompanied by Party Faithfuls, former and present chapter Excos, Women stakeholders, friends alike, etc.
