By Frank Ulom
UGEP (CONVERSEER) – The Member representing Yakurr II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rev. (Mrs) Mercy Akpama, has hosted a Christmas town hall meeting alongside a leadership development programme for students, where thousands of constituents accessed free medical care.
The event, held at Precious Stone Event Centre, Nko, on Christmas Day, brought together APC stakeholders, community leaders, youths and senior secondary school students across the constituency. It formed the second phase of her constituency engagement for the year.
Addressing participants, Rev. (Mrs) Akpama said her representation was designed to focus on empowerment rather than temporary relief, noting that sustainable growth could only be achieved through skill-building and opportunity creation.
“Coming 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,” she said, adding, “Instead 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.”
She described herself as a grassroots politician who prioritises continuous engagement, stating that governance should be practical, close to the people, and participatory.
“My people are my people. We eat together, we play together and we reason together. That, to me, is real politics,” Akpama added.
Akpama explained that her emphasis on youths and education stems from the need to prepare successors for sustainable societal development.
“As 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,” she said.
As part of her outreach, she distributed cash gifts, rice and Christmas packages, urging the community to embrace unity and hope.
“Christmas is a time of love and peace. Let us be happy, unite and believe that tomorrow will be better than today,” she said.
Chairman of the occasion, Brigadier General Obol Enang Ukagu (retd.), praised her model of representation, describing it as a shift from tokenism to legacy-building.
“Her brand of empowerment is novel. It is not about sharing food or drinks, but lifting people to new levels where they can also impact others. Since 1999, she is only the second lawmaker from Yakurr II to gather constituents during this festive period to account for her stewardship,” Ukagu stated.
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Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Godwin Igile urged students to uphold values of respect, godliness, obedience and hard work, cautioning against the pursuit of quick wealth which he described as dangerous to societal and individual wellbeing.
Also speaking, the Member representing Yakurr I State Constituency, Hon. Cyril Omini, commended Rev. Akpama’s approach and described it as a model of true democratic representation.
“What she is doing touches the needy directly. It is a blueprint other leaders should adopt,” Omini said.
One of the beneficiaries of the leadership programme, Senior Prefect Humble Akpama of Ibaramba Secondary School, Agoi Ibami, expressed gratitude to the legislator, saying the training had inspired him and many others.
“I 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,” he said.
The event also featured free medical screenings, consultations and treatment for thousands of residents, forming part of Akpama’s broader effort to improve community health outcomes.
The town hall doubled as an avenue for the lawmaker to review her stewardship while fostering peace, unity and continued development across Yakurr II.
