Hon. EGBALA BASSEY, a seasoned Administrator, Distinguished Political Leader, and Successful Businessman: Actionable Plan for the Prosperity and Well-being of ABI.

As the countdown to the November 2, 2024, Cross River State Local Government Council elections approaches, the spotlight shines on an ambitious, dynamic, and youthful APC candidate for the ABI Chairmanship – Hon. Egbala Bassey. A seasoned administrator, accomplished political figure, and prosperous businessman, Hon. Bassey enters the race with a compelling vision for the socioeconomic transformation and sustainable development of ABI. His candidature is built on a deep understanding of the region’s diverse sociocultural landscape and the specific challenges that it faces. Running alongside his vice, Hon. Joseph Ukata, their shared ticket presents a clear and focused agenda aimed at creating a “GREATER ABI.”

Hon. Egbala Bassey’s vision for ABI’s future is rooted in a eight-point multifaceted agenda, designed to address the pressing needs of the community while laying a foundation for long-term development. His approach is practical, inclusive, and people-centered, aiming to elevate the quality of life for every resident in the local government area. Below is a detailed breakdown of his strategic plans for ABI:

1. HEALTHCARE: Revitalizing the Health Sector for the Wellbeing of ABI’s People.

Hon. Egbala Bassey recognizes the severe neglect of ABI’s health infrastructure, which has placed the health and safety of the local population at risk. His primary healthcare agenda focuses on the comprehensive renovation, rehabilitation, and modernization of all health facilities across ABI. With a commitment to aligning these facilities with contemporary healthcare standards, Hon. Bassey promises to ensure that they are not only functional but also equipped to handle the health needs of the people effectively. By partnering with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders, Hon. Bassey plans to introduce training programs for healthcare workers, free medical interventions, and community health initiatives. His vision is to restore physical, mental, emotional, social, and psychological well-being to the people of ABI, fostering a healthier and more prosperous society.

2. EDUCATION: Building a Brighter Future Through Access to Quality Education.

Understanding that education is the cornerstone of societal progress, Hon. Egbala Bassey is determined to revamp ABI’s educational infrastructure. His plan includes the building and refurbishment of schools across the local government area, ensuring that these institutions are well-equipped with modern learning materials and facilities. By improving the learning environment, Hon. Bassey aims to make education more accessible, effective, and engaging for students at all levels. Additionally, he is committed to launching bursary and scholarship programs for outstanding students from ABI, ensuring that bright minds have the financial support they need to pursue higher education and contribute to the development of their community.

3. SECURITY: Ensuring a Safe and Secure Environment for All

No community can thrive without peace and security. Hon. Egbala Bassey is fully aware that insecurity stifles progress and endangers the lives of citizens. His security agenda focuses on engaging all relevant stakeholders to formulate and implement policies that will address the root causes of insecurity in ABI. Egbala is focused to establishing bylaws, enhancing community policing efforts, and bringing in well-trained security personnel, Hon. Bassey aims to create an environment where the people of ABI can live, work, and go about their daily activities without the fear of violence, intimidation, or social unrest. His focus on security is designed to restore peace and stability to ABI, enabling development to take root and flourish.

4.LEADERSHIP: Empowering Transformational Leadership for a United ABI

Hon. Egbala Bassey is committed to fostering a culture of transformative leadership in ABI. He believes that strong, visionary leadership is essential for the realization of the community’s goals and aspirations. With his wealth of administrative experience, Hon. Bassey intends to revitalize the local government administration, focusing on efficiency, transparency, and accountability. His leadership will prioritize human capital development, ensuring that the local government workforce is well-trained, motivated, and capable of delivering quality services to the people. Furthermore, he is dedicated to preserving and promoting ABI’s rich cultural heritage, collaborating with traditional institutions to foster unity and inclusivity in decision-making processes.

5 AGRICULTURE: Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices for Economic Growth

Hon. Egbala Bassey recognizes the importance of agriculture to ABI’s economy. He plans to promote sustainable agricultural practices like cash crops production, Aquaculture (fish production), horticulture and animal husbandry that will not only boost food production but also create jobs and increase the income levels of local farmers. To invest heavily in modern agricultural techniques, providing farmers with access to necessary tools and technologies, and fostering partnerships with agricultural development agencies, Hon. Bassey intends to make ABI a hub for agricultural innovation and a reliable supplier of food for the state and beyond by leveraging on all potentials for rice production in all parts of ABI especially Igbo Ekureku towards revamping rice production in ABI in partnership with Shanghai Farm in order to put ABI in the community of Ivory tower.

6. INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT: Building the foundation for sustainable growth.

Hon. Egbala Bassey is committed to an ambitious agenda of infrastructural transformation aimed at addressing the basic needs and desires of the people across ABI’s council wards. His plan includes the construction and rehabilitation of key infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, culverts, drainage systems, modern markets, water supply systems, public toilets, cemeteries, parks, and street lighting. In addition, he plans to build Executive and Legislative quarters in Itigidi, the headquarters of ABI Local Government Area, where both the Executive Chairman and the 10 Councillors will reside, ensuring dedicated attention to their duties.

Hon. Bassey is particularly focused on the development of critical roads, including the major Bahumono roads, and the use of modern technology to drive digital transformation and economic growth. His administration will also prioritize the rejuvenation of lakes, forest reserves, and the region’s rich biodiversity, with an eye on creating a vibrant tourism industry in ABI.

7a. BUSINESS AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: Removing barriers for women to succeed in business and leadership

Recognizing the importance of inclusive growth, Hon. Egbala Bassey’s vision includes the promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and targeted support for women’s economic empowerment. His strategies include:

Economic Opportunities for Women: Introducing grant programs that will support women entrepreneurs and foster business growth.

Vocational Training: Implementing skill-building programs to equip women and youth with the practical expertise needed to succeed in the job market.

Leadership and Mentorship: Launching initiatives that develop the leadership potential of women and youth, enabling them to take on key roles within their communities and beyond.

Sports and Youth Engagement: Investing in sports infrastructure to encourage physical activity, healthy living, and community participation.

7b. BUSINESS AND IGR INITIATIVES: Creating opportunities for sustainable income generation.

Hon. Egbala Bassey is also focused on boosting the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of ABI by tapping into the region’s abundant natural resources, including sand, stones, and rivers. His plan includes:

Establishing a Rice Mill Factory to position ABI as a leading producer of rice in the South-South zone of Nigeria.

Collaborating with investors to dredge and harvest the region’s vast deposits of sand and stones for economic value.

Reviving Shanghai Farms, ensuring its operational efficiency and contributing to the local economy.

Attracting a Microfinance Bank to Itigidi to support small businesses and facilitate easier financial transactions, thereby creating job opportunities for residents.

Revamping ABItrans by acquiring durable buses and upgrading motor parks, while enhancing the welfare of staff for improved service delivery.

8. SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM: ABI’s Intellectual and human resources actionable blueprint for the region’s prosperity

Hon. Egbala Bassey is determined to harness the intellectual capital of ABI’s diverse population, creating a robust and dynamic socio-economic development team. This team will be tasked with drafting a comprehensive economic blueprint that outlines ABI’s development trajectory, ensuring that successive administrations can build upon a solid foundation for the region’s prosperity. By leveraging the expertise and talents of ABI’s people, Hon. Bassey aims to foster sustainable growth and progress for the entire community.

TO THIS END

Hon. Egbala Bassey’s vision is not just for a better ABI; it’s for a Greater ABI, where every aspect of society—from health and education to infrastructure and economic development—is given the attention it deserves. His holistic approach promises a brighter, more prosperous future for the people of ABI.

Hon. Egbala Bassey’s vision for ABI is a comprehensive and forward-looking one, centered on the people and their well-being. With his extensive experience, youthful energy, and commitment to transparent, people-driven governance, Hon. Bassey is poised to lead ABI into a new era of growth and prosperity. His plan for a “GREATER ABI” is not just a slogan but a tangible roadmap for sustainable development, encompassing key areas like healthcare, education, security, leadership, infrastructure, agriculture, and youth empowerment. The people of ABI have a real opportunity to elect a visionary leader who understands their needs and has the competence to bring about the positive change they desire.

All round support for Hon. Egbala Bassey and Hon. Joseph Ukata joint ticket is highly solicited.

With deep appreciation!

Hon. Egbala Bassey Media Team.