In his continued effort to enhance security, boost and improve local trade, the Member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono, has illuminated the University of Cross River State, Okuku campus, and the popular Okuku Market, the economic hub of Yala LGA, with solar-powered lights.
For Okuku Market which attracts traders from far and near, maintains a unique nature of commercial activities which runs from morning through late into the night, this intervention is not just timely but necessary.
The installation of the solar-powered lights will not only make the market safer but also extend commercial hours and increase night time commerce in the market.
Beyond the market and the University, Hon. Offiono also ensured the lightening of other strategic locations, including the popular O. C. Bravo, and Ogba Streets.
This initiative reflects his commitment to community development, economic and social welfare as well as the creation of a safer environment for all.
Hon. Godwin Offiono, the member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, has once again demonstrated his commitment to his constituents welfare during this festive season by distributing bags of rice and cash to various groups and individuals.
Beneficiaries of this phase include; Cameron IDP Refugees, ADAGON Centre, Ogoja, Council of chiefs in both local government Areas, selected party stakeholders, support groups and youths. In a display of unity and generosity, he also extended this gesture to members of other political parties in both Ogoja and Yala LGAs, fostering a spirit of celebration and love.
Overjoyed by the lawmaker’s thoughtfulness, the refugees through Engr. David Abia(General Coordinator, Cameroon IDP, Adagon, Ogoja Centre), expressed their heartfelt gratitude, saying “As he has remembered us in this season of celebration, we pray he continues to rise to greater heights. We will always keep him in our prayers for choosing to feed the hungry.”
Other beneficiaries also conveyed their deep appreciation to the lawmaker for his kindness during this festive season. They prayed for God’s continuous blessings upon him for his unwavering dedication to the welfare of his constituents.
The constituents of Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, OBO federal constituency and Cross River North in general were filled with excitement today as Hon. Godwin Offiono, representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Member representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal constituency led by Dist. Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, kicked off the Christmas celebrations with remarkable generosity.
The lawmakers, accompanied by party leaders and supporters, visited Okpoma in Yala LGA and Igoli in Ogoja LGA, and the 3 LGAs where they were warmly received by jubilant constituents.
Speaking at the gatherings, Hon. Godwin Offiono expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support and prayers from the constituents. He called for continued unity and support for himself, the distinguished senator, Hon. Peter Akpanke, and other party leaders, reaffirming his dedication to improving the welfare of the people.
Hon. Akpanke in his remark called for stronger bond amongst party faithfuls as the lawmakers focus on its legislative mandate.
In his address, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his promises to the people. He emphasized the importance of unity within the party and extended heartfelt thanks to the constituents for their steadfast support.
To mark the occasion, a generous sum of N24 million and 720 bags of rice were distributed across the two LGAs of Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, courtesy of the two lawmakers: Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and Hon. Godwin Offiono.
In addition, the lawmakers extended their Christmas outreach to Obudu, Bekwarra, and Obanliku LGAs, totally 54 million Naira and 1,620 bags of rice were distributed.
This act of kindness has further strengthened the bond between the lawmakers and their people, reflecting their dedication to community welfare during the Yuletide season.
The Honourable Member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono, has successfully facilitated the installation of solar-powered streetlights in key areas of Ogoja LGA
The newly illuminated areas include:
. Ndok Junction . Timber Shade, Abakpa . Agiga
This initiative underscores his unwavering commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in communities within the constituency by attracting impactful projects across various sectors and social welfare.
The member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono, has congratulated Miss Agatha Owokonu Odey, a constituent, for making it to the top 10 finalists of the recently concluded Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) 8th Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition.
The lawmaker expressed joy while responding to a letter of appreciation forwarded to his office by Engr. James Owan on behalf of Miss Agatha. The letter acknowledged the lawmaker’s effort, for taking charge of the financial obligation, which enabled her to participate in the finals held in Bayelsa State from December 14–16, 2024.
“Congratulations to Agatha. My desire is to see her and other youths excel in academics and other endeavors of life,” Hon. Offiono remarked.
In reaction to the lawmaker’s support, the Laison/contact person for Miss Agatha said, “Thank you, Hon. Offiono, for your quick response. You have proven that young people should be encouraged to succeed in life, and we are grateful to have you as our leader.”
Miss Agatha Owokonu Odey, the only finalist from the South-South region, is a 100-level student of Banking and Finance at the University of Calabar. She hails from Okpoma, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Hon. Godwin Offiono, alongside other distinguished leaders from Cross River State, paid a courtesy visit to the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The delegation, ably led by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, paid a formal visit to invite the 10th Senate to the burial of the former Senate President, Late Dr. Joseph Wayas which is scheduled to take place on November 30th in his hometown.
While receiving the delegation, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, expressed gratitude for the visit and reassured them of the Senate’s readiness and plans to participate in the burial ceremonies.
He emphasized the significance of honoring the late Dr. Wayas, a statesman and hero of the nation, stating that the Senate would show their last respects in a befitting manner.
Describing the visit, Senator Akpabio referred to it as “an icing on the cake,” highlighting the respect shown to the National Assembly through such gestures. He assured the delegation that the Senate does not take such visits for granted.
Notable dignitaries present during the visit included, Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sen. Eteng Jones, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, Sen. Victor Ndoma Egba, Major General Emeka, AVM Clement Ogbeche (Rtd), Sen. Florence Ita Giwa, Barr. Dornklaimz Enamhe PhD, Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, and other esteemed leaders.
…distributes learning materials to various schools
Hon. Godwin Offiono, the Member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to improving education for his constituents. As part of his drive to promote quality education, he has facilitated the construction of classroom blocks in two schools within the Federal constituency as well as the construction of a multipurpose hall, an ICT center, and a library across the constituency.
The schools getting new classroom blocks are:
St. Leonard Primary School, Atanyrr, Ikandangha Nkum Iborr, Ogoja LGA
Community Secondary School, Oba, O’oh Ward, Yala LGA
Enhanced Infrastructure for Existing Schools
Several schools within the constituency are also benefitting from significant upgrades. These include:
Community Grammar School, Wanokom: Construction of a multipurpose hall, ICT center, and library.
St. John Primary School, Edide, Mbube West Ward 2, Ogoja LGA: A new classroom block.
Distribution of Learning Materials
To further support an effective learning environment, Hon. Offiono has distributed essential learning materials such as tables, school bags, notebooks and chairs to:
Community Secondary School, Wanikande, Yala LGA
Army Day Secondary School, Ogoja LGA
The items were officially handed over to the schools by a delegation led by Dr Raphael Oko , the constituency officer to Hon. Godwin Offiono.
In showing gratitude, the school administrators expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the lawmaker for his visionary leadership and for bringing governance closer to the people. They assured him that the materials will be effectively utilized to enhance the learning experience for students.
With these strides amongst other projects, Hon. Offiono is setting a benchmark in educational development, ensuring the youth of Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency are empowered for a brighter future.
The member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono, has successfully facilitated the training and empowerment of over 200 women in various agricultural value chains.
This initiative, organized by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and anchored by Spatuk International Ltd, included beneficiaries from the 24 wards of the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency.
The Resource person (Agrologist) Who delved into recent agricultural models for improved agricultural activities, was highly commended for his wealth of knowledge.
During the training session held today at Santuscom Resort in Yala LGA, Cross River State, Dr. Raphael Ogar Oko, who is the constituency officer to the lawmaker, encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace modern agricultural practices to enhance their farming.
Each woman farmer who benefited from the training expressed their gratitude to the lawmaker and promised to apply their newfound knowledge and to also share it with others in their communities.
In addition, each of the beneficiary received N100,000 cash as empowerment to improve their production and were also issued certificates after the training.
Today, during the House of Representatives plenary, the member representing Ogoja/Yala federal constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono’s bill for the alteration of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create Ogoja state was read for the second time.
The bill, HB. 1555– which passed second Reading and referred to the Committee on Constitution review for further legislative action was co-sponsored by Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Mike Etaba and Hon. Victor Abang, seeks to create Ogoja state thereby increasing the number of state in Nigeria from thirty-six (36) to thirty-seven (37).
Hon. Offiono in his speech said the essence of the “bill is rested on the principle of equity which is a substratum of the existence of the Nigerian State. In the light of the multifaceted challenges we face.”
The lawmaker revealed that, in terms of demographic consideration, manpower availability, education, the energy sector, etc, Ogoja state will be sustainable.
“Mr. Speaker, my dear honourable colleagues, Ogoja as one of the original provinces, can only join the group of fast-paced regional growth areas, when it becomes a state with all the advantages of infrastructures and institutions, with its population of slightly above two million people on a landmass of 12,158Sqkm with reasonable economic viability, propelled by arable farm lands with bountiful produce of cash crops such as Cocoa, Banana, Rice, Rubber, Groundnut and so on. Also the availability of several mineral deposits such as Limestone, Sodium Chloride, Quartz, barite, and notable Tourism sites such as the Obudu Cattle Ranch and Agbokim Waterfall. That is when the towns of Ogoja, Obudu, Obubra, Ikom, Okundi, Bansara, Okpoma, Okuku, Yahe, Wanakom, Bebi, Abouchiche, Apiapum, Utugwang, Eyamoyong, Agbokim, Orimekpang, Ajasor, Utanag, Gakem etc, could become the epicentres of the new state, thus, galvanizing unprecedented dynamism that would propel growth and development and create wealth.”
“The truth is that Calabar is just too far from the people of Ogoja and it is practically impossible for the area to develop and for the people to feel the impact of government.”
“My highly respected colleagues, Ogoja people should be given a state, as they had a province, so that new local government areas that are concomitant with creation of states would spread development.”
“All states accord to a people political right of existence, as the provinces did.”
The Honourable member thereafter enjoined his colleagues to support the bill.
The member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono, has successfully facilitated the installation of solar-powered street lights in various locations in his constituency.
This phase of the lighting project covers the following areas:
NPF Ogoja Area Command
Police Divisional Headquarters, Ogoja
St. Benedict Cathedral, Igoli, Ogoja
Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ogboja, Ogoja
PHCN Transformer Sites, Ogoja
Police Divisional Headquarters, Okpoma, Yala LGA
And several other strategic locations
Residents and clergy have expressed their appreciation for the execution of this project, commending the lawmaker for his unwavering commitment to bringing democratic dividends to the community. They highlighted how these solar-powered street lights will enhance safety and visibility, contributing to a better quality of life in the area.
Hon. Offiono’s efforts exemplify his dedication to fulfilling his campaign promises and improving the living conditions for the people of Ogoja and Yala.
The Goffio Gazette 