By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The member representing Yakurr II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Dr. Mercy Akpama, has completed and handed over multipurpose town halls to the people of Nko and Mkpani communities in Yakurr Local Government Area.
The projects are aimed at providing the communities with central venues for meetings, social gatherings, conflict resolution, civic engagement and other developmental activities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Akpama said the projects were informed by needs assessment visits to the communities, where she discovered the absence of suitable public facilities for community functions.
According to her, the town halls are intended to strengthen grassroots governance by bringing government closer to the people while providing residents with befitting venues for community meetings, peace-building initiatives and development planning.
“We came, we saw the need, and we acted. These halls are for you. Use them for meetings, for peace talks and for planning your future. Government must meet the people where they are, and this is one way of doing that,” she said.
The colourful ceremony attracted traditional rulers, clergy, women and youth groups, as well as other stakeholders from the two communities.
Retired Brig.-Gen. Enang Ukagwu described the intervention as a demonstration of responsive representation, saying the facilities would benefit generations of residents.
“This is what representation is about. Dr. Mercy has listened to her people and delivered. This hall will serve generations to come. We appreciate this gesture,” he said.
The traditional rulers of the communities, HRH Obol Effiom Ayonobi of Nko and HRH Obol Sunday Okoi of Mkpani, expressed appreciation to the lawmaker, noting that the town halls would foster unity, peace and social cohesion.
Obol Okoi recalled that community meetings were previously held under trees, adding that the new facility would improve grassroots administration and community development.
Women leaders also welcomed the projects, saying the halls would provide convenient venues for meetings, skills acquisition programmes and social events without the disruption caused by bad weather.
Youth leaders pledged to safeguard the facilities and utilise them for programmes that would promote talent development, community dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Residents described the projects as a major boost to rural development and urged governments at all levels and other elected representatives to invest more in community infrastructure that directly improves the lives of rural dwellers.
