Cross River Representative Reviews His Service to Constituents

Hon. Joseph Bassey, who represents Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South Federal Constituency, has reassured his constituents of his ongoing dedication to providing effective and responsive representation.

While reflecting on his two and a half years in office as a lawmaker, Bassey, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, conveyed this message during an exclusive discussion with reporters in Calabar on Friday.

The lawmaker emphasized his desire to reshape the narrative surrounding representation, asserting that he has successfully provided quality service to his constituents thus far. He pledged to uphold the trust placed in him, actively promoting the interests of his constituency in the National Assembly.

Bassey stated that during his tenure in the House of Representatives, he has shown his capability across vital sectors, despite many of his accomplishments remaining largely unnoticed due to limited publicity and his low-profile political demeanor.

Over the past two years, he has successfully facilitated the establishment of a comprehensive ICT Centre at Government Science School, Mayne Avenue, which significantly improved digital learning for students. Additionally, he oversaw the construction of classroom blocks in various schools, including Idundu Akpabuyo, Government Secondary School Efut Abua in Calabar South, Edgerly Ballantyne School, and Ikot Eneyo Secondary School in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.

In terms of educational support, he facilitated programs amounting to over ₦100 million, enabling five students to study abroad, offering support to 855 students within Nigeria, and benefiting 1,555 participants through his Domestic Education Support Initiative—one of the most comprehensive educational interventions in the constituency recently.

To enhance access to clean water, Bassey reported that he has overseen the installation of solar-powered boreholes throughout Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South, providing communities with free potable water. Furthermore, he facilitated the installation of over 3,000 solar streetlights across these local government areas, which has improved security and stimulated nighttime economic activities.

At the National Assembly, he mentioned that he has introduced eight motions and sponsored five bills aimed at addressing people's needs and enhancing the welfare and livelihoods of Nigerians.

Demonstrating further commitment to economic empowerment and self-sufficiency, Bassey has aided the empowerment of 600 women and youth in poultry farming, supported by ₦100 million in cash, along with 30,000 day-old chicks and bags of poultry feed.

Moreover, he has facilitated skills acquisition and business start-up programs for 1,000 beneficiaries while also playing a significant role in securing employment opportunities in the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, NEMA, NPC, and other civil service agencies.

He reiterated that over 3,000 solar streetlights have been deployed in the three local government areas, enhancing both security and night-time economic activities.

"This period has indeed posed many challenges, yet as the custodian of the people's mandate, I strive to keep their hope alive by diligently fulfilling the promises I made during my campaign," Bassey remarked.

"In spite of the hurdles associated with law-making, I have embraced these challenges and remained focused on delivering the electoral commitments to my constituents. Besides sponsoring and co-sponsoring numerous bills and motions in the House, I have also contributed to the development of Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South local government areas," he added.

Beyond organized initiatives, Bassey’s understated philanthropy has led him to provide financial and material assistance to numerous individuals within and outside his constituency.

"Residents can attest to my consistent distribution of substantial Christmas and New Year packages to constituents—these gestures further emphasize my dedication to grassroots welfare."

Observers in the political realm note that while Nigeria’s political landscape often celebrates ostentatious achievements, Hon. Joseph ‘Papa’ Bassey’s track record demonstrates that quiet service can yield significant results. Many believe that with more proactive media engagement, his contributions would finally receive the recognition they merit.