As the race for leadership in Calabar Municipal Council intensifies, Mr. Bassey Okon, the vice chairmanship candidate of the Labour Party, has outlined a comprehensive policy thrust aimed at tackling pressing social issues, particularly the skolombo menace along Marian Road. This social problem, characterized by street children engaging in various forms of survival activities, has long been a concern for residents, with numerous interventions yielding limited success.
Addressing the situation, Mr. Okon emphasized the need for a shift from temporary measures to sustainable solutions. “The problem with most interventions is that they provide hand-outs, which offer short-term relief. What we need is a long-term approach that involves engaging these children in artisanal activities. The key is to adopt a mentorship and mentee model, which ensures that they gain skills that will keep them off the streets permanently,” he stated.
The joint ticket of Mr. Shedrach Ikpeme and Mr. Bassey Okon is poised to focus on robust social services, particularly in human capital development. According to Mr. Okon, their administration plans to introduce programs that will actively engage street children and others, giving them the skills and opportunities needed to improve their lives. He noted that these initiatives will address the root causes of street life, creating a pathway to a more secure and dignified future for the affected youths.
In addition to addressing the skolombo issue, the Ikpeme-Okon team is also planning to introduce social welfare initiatives such as a mass transit system at subsidized rates. This will help mitigate the economic hardship faced by residents and ensure affordable, reliable transportation across Calabar Municipal. “Our administration will be people-oriented, focusing on projects that bring real relief and succour to the masses,” Mr. Okon remarked.
He further stressed that while the government requires revenue to function and provide essential infrastructure, it must not lose sight of its responsibility to serve the people. The Ikpeme-Okon team believes that governance must prioritize the needs of the people over revenue generation. “Taxation through multiple ticketing has been a major challenge for local businesses, and we intend to stop this. Our focus will be on streamlining the revenue collection process to make it more efficient and less burdensome,” Mr. Okon assured.
A critical aspect of their policy thrust is the reorientation of government revenue operators. According to Mr. Okon, all revenue collectors will undergo training to ensure they understand the importance of fair and transparent operations, reflecting the administration’s commitment to humane governance.
Agriculture also features prominently in their plans, with the promise of an agricultural revolution that will leverage partnerships with various organizations. Mr. Okon is optimistic that agribusiness can thrive within Calabar Municipal, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. “Who says Calabar Municipal cannot be a hub for agribusiness? This is going to be our giant leap, and we plan to involve even the skolombo children in these agricultural ventures,” he declared.
Ultimately, the Ikpeme-Okon joint ticket represents a leadership team committed to displaying the highest level of humanity and empathy. They aim to restore dignity to those often marginalized and forgotten, bringing tangible changes that will uplift the standard of living across the council. Their social services policy underscores a vision where every resident of Calabar Municipal can thrive, regardless of their background.
The Ikpeme-Okon duo is confident that their plans will not only address immediate needs but also lay the foundation for long-term development. “Our administration will have a human face, and every action we take will reflect our dedication to creating a better life for our people,” Mr. Okon concluded.
