It is my pleasure to welcome you all to 2026. To every family, farmer, trader, student, elder, and young person across Cross River South, we have made it into the New Year by God’s grace. My family and I wish you peace, good health and prosperity.
The year 2025 was not without its challenges. While the internationally acknowledged economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, supported by the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led National Assembly, have begun to stabilise key fundamentals of our economy, we recognise that the benefits are still filtering down to positively impact the daily lives for all Nigerians. I remain deeply grateful for your resilience and sacrifices during this period.
I also commend the steady and focused leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, whose administration continues to deliver measurable progress despite the prevailing economic difficulties.
In the Senate, My legislative work throughout 2025 focused on practical pe ople-centred solutions to everyday challenges. We advanced the Factoring Regulation Bill to unlock financing for small businesses facing cash-flow constraints. We challenged the steep rise in Internet/data costs from Telecommunications Operators, recognising that young Nigerians increasingly depend on the digital economy. We led Senate pressure for strict enforcement of the sachet alcohol phase-out to protect our youth, and advocated for a national framework on suicide prevention and psychosocial support.
At the regional level, the signing of the South-South Development Commission Act opened a clearer pathway for coordinated and inclusive economic development across our zone.
On infrastructure, we facilitated the emergency intervention by NDDC on the Odukpani Junction – Uyanga – Ehom Federal Highway, as well as the Idundu bridge – Oban Road, the ongoing construction of Asang Eniong Road (as well as primary health center and an ultra modern town hall in Atan Onoyom). We sustained legislative pressure on the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu corridor to advance the pace of the ongoing reconstruction, and I am pleased to report that budgetary provisions have been secured for the Oban-Ekang Highway. We will not relent until these roads are completed to standard.
At the constituency level, we facilitated and prioritised impactful interventions that directly improve the daily lives of our constituents. Over 10,0000 solar-powered streetlights were installed across the district alongside solar-powered water boreholes in all seven local government areas. Our free bus transportation programme continues to operate on high priority routes, helping to ease the burden of rising transport costs. We facilitated several free medical programs to save lives, distributed fertiliser to boost food production, and provided grinding machines, sewing machines amongst other capital equipments to support micro, small and medium enterprises. We further facilitated scholarships for students within Nigeria and abroad, and secured employment opportunities for young people in government institutions and federal agencies.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, I have worked to strengthen accountability and refocus the Commission on sustainable development outcomes that genuinely serve Niger Delta communities.
As we begin the year 2026, I extend my heartfelt wishes to every family across Cross River South. I remain deeply grateful for your trust and support. With humility and renewed determination, I reaffirm my commitment to service above self, and to walking this journey in partnership with you as we build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous future together.
God bless us all in Jesus name, Amen.
Happy New Year.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong
Cross River South
