As Cross River State and the nation commemorate the one-year anniversaries of their respective governors and the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), led by Cross River State Representative Rt. Hon. (Chief) Orok Duke, brought relief to the Ikot Offiong community in Odukpani and the Esierebom community in Calabar South. These communities, suffering from displacement due to war and frequent flooding, respectively, received the NDDC’s flood mitigation palliatives, sparking festive celebrations.
Chief Duke, during the presentation, emphasized the prolonged neglect faced by Ikot Offiong residents. “The people of Ikot Offiong have been abandoned for too long, and the NDDC is determined to change this narrative. The lack of resettlement for 24 years has deeply affected the community’s morale. It becomes even harder when essential relief measures are not provided,” he stated.
“We have a duty to our people, and as a responsive government, we identify and tackle their problems. The Sen. Prince Bassey Otu administration’s ‘People First Mandate’ aims to address the issues of Ikot Offiong. Cross River State now proudly recognizes its status as an oil-producing state, thanks to Ikot Offiong, Ikoneto, and surrounding areas. We cannot remain silent while our people suffer,” he added. Chief Duke assured that future palliatives from NDDC would reach every designated community, highlighting plans to assist places like Belegete in Obanliku and other war-torn areas affected by Ambazonian separatist fighters from Cameroon.
Etubom Asuquo Nya, former Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda and ex-House of Representatives member for Calabar Municipal and Odukpani Federal Constituency, expressed gratitude on behalf of the displaced Ikot Offiong community. He acknowledged the support from the state representative and noted that previous administrations had ignored their plight until the intervention by the Governor’s wife, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu, who provided the first set of palliatives in 24 years.
“This is the second time we are receiving palliatives from the government, and it comes from our own people. We thank the Governor and the NDDC for addressing our long-standing issues. Today, we have earned our place in the state and beyond,” Nya remarked.
Atim Effiong Okon, the Women’s Leader, also expressed her appreciation to Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu and the NDDC team for including their community in the relief efforts. She assured that the aid would be distributed fairly among the residents.
Similarly, Mrs. Mercy Okon Ekpo of Esierebom community thanked the NDDC for their support, noting the rarity of such assistance outside election periods. “The atmosphere is joyous. In these hard times, this gesture is invaluable. We pray for the Governor, the NDDC State Representative, and all those involved in the distribution of these flood mitigation palliatives,” she said.