Asuquo Cletus
The member representing Yakurr II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mercy Akpama, has held a Christmas town hall meeting and leadership development programme for students.
The lawmaker reaffirmed her commitment to grassroots empowerment and inclusive governance.
The event, which took place at Precious Stone Event Centre, Nko, attracted APC members, community leaders, youths and senior secondary school students from across the constituency.
Speaking at the gathering, Akpama said her style of representation was anchored on empowerment rather than handouts, stressing that sustainable development could only be achieved by equipping people with skills and opportunities to stand on their own.
โComing into politics, I realised that many politicians give money and promises, but the people remain the same year in, year out. I chose a different path,โ she said. โInstead of giving fish every day, it is better to give nets. If you empower one person, it becomes a chain and others will also be empowered.โ
She described herself as a grassroots politician who believes in constant engagement with constituents, noting that governance should not be done from a distance.
โMy people are my people. We eat together, we play together and we reason together. That, to me, is real politics,โ Akpama added.
The lawmaker also explained her special focus on students and young people, saying leadership development must begin early if society must witness continuity and progress.
โAs a pastor, I believe strongly that when the foundation is destroyed, nothing can stand. These children are the next generation. You cannot be on stage forever. Any success without a successor is a failure,โ she said.
Akpama also distributed cash, rice and other Christmas items to participants, noting that the season was one of love and giving.
โChristmas is a time of love and peace. Let us be happy, unite and believe that tomorrow will be better than today,โ she urged.
Chairman of the event, Brigadier General Obol Enang (retd.), commended Akpamaโs approach to representation, describing her empowerment model as impactful and forward-looking.
โHer brand of empowerment is novel. It is not about sharing food or drinks, but lifting people to a level where they can also impact others,โ Enang said. โSince 1999, she is only the second lawmaker from Yakurr II to gather constituents during this festive period to account for her stewardship and listen to their challenges.โ
A beneficiary of the leadership training, Senior Prefect Humble Akpama of Ibaramba Secondary School, Agoi Ibami, expressed gratitude to the lawmaker, saying the programme had inspired him and other students to embrace responsibility and service.
โI have learnt that leadership is about service and preparing others to be better. We are grateful for this opportunity and the encouragement given to us,โ he said.
The town hall marked the second phase of her constituency engagement and formed part of activities to review her stewardship while fostering peace and unity in Yakurr II.
