By Our Reporter
OGOJA (CONVERSEER) – Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency is set for a new era of purposeful representation as Chief Ofana Paul Santus formally unveils his 2027 vision, a development-driven blueprint anchored on agriculture, empowerment, infrastructure and accountable leadership.
With the resounding slogan, “Restoring Our Agricultural Pride for Food Production,” Chief Santus is positioning his campaign as a people-first movement focused on measurable progress rather than empty rhetoric.
Speaking to stakeholders, youths, women groups and community leaders across Ogoja and Yala, the frontline aspirant emphasised that the constituency’s economic revival must begin with its strongest asset, agriculture.
Agriculture as the Engine of Prosperity
Chief Santus declared that Ogoja/Yala must move beyond subsistence farming to structured, wealth-driven agricultural production.
He pledged to facilitate federal agricultural grants for thousands of farmers, attract agro-processing facilities, improve storage systems, and push for rural farming road projects that will connect farmers directly to markets.
“Our land is fertile. Our people are hardworking. What has been lacking is coordinated federal support. That will change,” he stated.
Under his plan, agriculture will not merely feed households, it will create jobs, stimulate small businesses and strengthen food security across Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
Infrastructure that Reaches Every Ward
Ofana’s agenda also prioritises infrastructure expansion across both local government areas. Chief Santus promised aggressive legislative lobbying for: Federal road rehabilitation projects; Rural electrification schemes; Solar-powered street lighting Potable water projects. “No community in Ogoja or Yala will be treated as an afterthought,” he assured.
Empowering Youths and Women
Recognising the constituency’s youthful population, Chief Santus outlined plans for large-scale skill acquisition programmes, start-up support schemes and digital training initiatives.
He committed to facilitating federal empowerment opportunities for at least 2,000 youths and strengthening women’s cooperatives through access to grants and micro-enterprise support. “Empowerment must be structured, transparent and sustainable,” he said.
Education, Healthcare and Human Capital Development
Chief Santus further pledged to support federal interventions in education and healthcare by attracting renovation projects for schools, strengthening primary healthcare centres, and facilitating periodic medical outreach programmes.
He noted that development without human capital investment is incomplete.
Transparent Representation and Strong Legislative Oversight
Central to his vision is a promise of accessible and accountable representation. Chief Santus announced plans for quarterly town hall meetings, functional constituency offices in both Ogoja and Yala, and annual public accountability reports.
He vowed to sponsor and support legislation that promotes agricultural investment, rural protection, youth employment and equitable federal resource allocation. “Representation is not about occupying a seat; it is about delivering results,” he affirmed.
A Call for Unity and Inclusive Development
Chief Santus concluded by calling for unity across political, communal and generational lines, stressing that peace and cooperation remain the bedrock of progress. “Our future is collective. When Ogoja rises, Yala rises. When Yala prospers, Ogoja prospers,” he declared.
As momentum builds towards 2027, Chief Ofana Paul Santus is rapidly shaping into a structured development movement, one that seeks to reposition Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency as a hub of agricultural excellence, economic productivity and responsive legislative leadership.
