By joshua Gov Otu’s Wife, Bishop Eyoanwan, Concludes Humanity Tour, Distributes Over 15,700 Empowerment Items Across Central, Northern Cross River
The Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Her Excellency Bishop Dr. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has successfully concluded her Humanity Tour and Empowerment Programme across the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts of the state, at Ikom Stadium and St. Thomas Teachers Training College now McGettrick Institute of Technology, Ogoja, reaffirming her commitment to grassroots development, economic empowerment, poverty alleviation and improved livelihoods for vulnerable families.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Saturday by her Press Secretary (PS), Faith Okon-Egbujiem.
The extensive humanitarian intervention, organised through the Office of the Wife of the Governor under the Humanity Without Borders (HUWIB) initiative, saw the distribution of 15,712 empowerment items and units across both senatorial districts, comprising 8,183 in the Central Senatorial District and 7,529 in the Northern Senatorial District.
The initiative, which aligns with the People First agenda of the administration of His Excellency, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was designed to strengthen household economies, promote entrepreneurship, support agricultural productivity and provide sustainable opportunities for women, youths and vulnerable populations.
Prior to the events in both Senatorial Districts Bishop Otu engaged traditional rulers to honour them, intimate them on her empowerment programme and express her gratitude for their support. She also engaged with stakeholders to consolidate on the empowerment and future plans for the women of the Senatorial Districts.
Addressing beneficiaries and community stakeholders during the tour, Bishop Otu emphasised that genuine empowerment must extend beyond the distribution of materials to create lasting opportunities for self-reliance, dignity and economic independence.
The First Lady said: “I don’t do this to show off, neither do I do this because I have too much, I do this because I believe in the power of love, I believe in compassion, I believe in service to humanity and the Governor’s mantra is people’s first. I do this because I love my people, I love my women. Also, when you empower a woman, you empower a family, when you empower a woman, you empower a community.”
She encouraged beneficiaries to use the resources provided responsibly, grow their businesses and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.
“Please use these materials to grow your businesses and support your families,” Mrs Otu advised.
She also underscored the importance of unity, community participation and collective responsibility in advancing the development aspirations of Cross River State, reiterating the need for sustained support for the People First agenda of the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
Among the empowerment items distributed were 17 minibuses, 11 tricycles, 33 motorcycles, 55 sewing machines, 50 grinding machines, nine cassava-processing machines, 22 baking ovens, 110 Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, 80 large umbrellas and five refrigerators.
Vocational support also featured 55 barbing clippers, 55 hair-washing units, 55 hair dryers, 110 generators, 10 makeup kits and 198 aprons, alongside other equipment intended to equip beneficiaries with the tools for financial independence.
In a significant boost to agriculture and household food security, the programme provided 3,200 units of fertiliser, 6,622 units of rice, 1,248 units of beans, 700 units each of tomatoes, cooking oil and seasoning, as well as 300 units of salt.
Other interventions included 1,100 wrappers, 22 packs of fingerlings, educational materials comprising exercise books, Bibles and English textbooks, as well as seven wheelchairs, four crutches and mother-and-child care kits, reflecting the First Lady’s inclusive approach to humanitarian service.
Beyond the distribution of empowerment materials, the tour provided an avenue for meaningful engagement with women, community leaders and grassroots stakeholders, strengthening the connection between government and the people while reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
The intervention further demonstrates Bishop Eyoanwan Otu’s conviction that genuine empowerment must go beyond temporary assistance to create opportunities for productivity, dignity, economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.
With the successful conclusion of the Central and Northern Senatorial District engagements, the First Lady continues to consolidate her humanitarian footprint across Cross River State, translating compassion into measurable impact and giving practical expression to the administration’s People First philosophy.
The Humanity Tour stands as another testament to her dedication to building stronger families, economically empowered communities and a more inclusive and prosperous Cross River State.