Hon. EGBALA BASSEY’S Blueprint for ABI Prosperity and Socio-Economic Advancement: In Lieu of the Diverse Peculiarities in ABI’s Socio-economic Melieu.

INTRODUCTION: A Roadmap to “A GREATER ABI”.

The preparation period to the 2024 Cross River State Local Government Council elections has set the stage for a political contest that will not only shape the future of ABI but also define its place in the broader narrative of sustainable development in the region. Among the most formidable candidates is the All Progressives Congress (APC) Hon. Egbala Bassey, a veteran administrator, a renowned politician, and successful businessman. His candidacy for the chairmanship of ABI Local Government Area is not just a political pursuit; it is a clarion call for the total transformation of the region and a blueprint for the socio-economic advancement of its people, considering the diverse peculiarities of ABI’s Socio-economic melieu.

Hon. Egbala Bassey, in partnership with his vice, Hon. Joseph Ukata, represents a leadership team deeply committed to fostering an ABI that thrives on progress, unity, and innovation. Their candidacy is anchored in a vision that prioritizes practical, inclusive, and sustainable policies capable of addressing ABI’s challenges while laying the foundation for long-term prosperity. This document delves into the heart of Hon. Bassey’s transformative plan for ABI, offering an in-depth look at the strategies and action points that will drive the region’s growth.

A Vision for a “GREATER ABI”

At the core of Hon. Egbala Bassey’s agenda is the creation of a “Greater ABI,” a community where every individual can flourish—physically, economically, and socially. His blueprint spans several critical areas, including healthcare, education, security, leadership, agriculture, infrastructure, business, and socio-economic empowerment. With a focus on modernizing and revitalizing key sectors, Hon. Bassey’s strategy is designed to provide lasting solutions to ABI’s most pressing challenges while fostering inclusive growth and development.

1. HEALTHCARE: Revitalizing the Health Sector for a Healthier ABI

A community’s health is the foundation upon which all other progress is built. Hon. Egbala Bassey understands that the local health infrastructure of ABI has long been neglected, posing significant risks to the well-being of its citizens. His policy agenda prioritizes the full renovation, rehabilitation, and modernization of all healthcare facilities within the local government area. With a keen focus on providing accessible, effective, and high-quality healthcare services, Bassey plans to:

Renovate and Modernize Health Centers: Establish state-of-the-art facilities equipped to meet the health demands of the population. This includes providing advanced medical tools, emergency services, and upgraded maternity and pediatric care.

Partner with NGOs for Healthcare Training: Collaborate with international and local organizations to implement continuous professional development programs for healthcare workers. This will ensure that medical personnel are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.

Launch Free Medical Interventions and Community Health Programs: Ensuring that the marginalized and vulnerable populations have access to free health services such as vaccinations, health screenings, and wellness checkups.

Hon. Bassey’s healthcare vision is not just about physical care but extends to mental and social well-being, aiming for a holistic approach to health that fosters a prosperous society.

2. EDUCATION: Building the Foundation for a Brighter Future

Education is the key to long-term development, and Hon. Egbala Bassey is determined to invest heavily in this sector. His education agenda focuses on creating an enabling environment for learning, nurturing the intellectual potential of ABI’s youth, and ensuring that future generations have access to high-quality education. The pillars of his education policy include:

Renovating and Equipping Schools: Building and refurbishing schools across ABI, ensuring that every student has access to modern learning environments with necessary teaching aids and infrastructure.

Bursary and Scholarship Programs: Providing financial support to outstanding students, allowing them to pursue higher education and return to contribute meaningfully to their community’s development.

Teacher Training Programs: Investing in professional development to ensure that teachers are well-trained and capable of delivering quality education that prepares students for the challenges of tomorrow’s economy.

Bassey’s vision for education is about creating a self-sustaining cycle where quality education becomes the catalyst for economic and social mobility.

3. SECURITY: Ensuring a Safe and Secure ABI

Security is an essential pillar of any thriving community. Hon. Bassey acknowledges the critical role that safety plays in driving economic and social development. His approach to security is comprehensive, focusing on preventive measures, local collaboration, and strengthening law enforcement. His security strategy includes:

Community Policing Initiatives: Strengthening collaboration between local police forces and community leaders to identify and solve security issues. The focus is on intelligence gathering, surveillance, and community engagement.

Establishing Local Security Bylaws: Creating laws that empower communities to take an active role in ensuring the safety of their neighborhoods, with well-defined sanctions for breaches of peace.

Enhancing Security Infrastructure: Ensuring the provision of necessary tools and training for security personnel, establishing new police posts, and improving the overall security infrastructure to guarantee the safety of all residents.

A secure ABI is a prosperous ABI, and Hon. Bassey’s strategy aims to restore peace and build trust between the people and law enforcement agencies.

4. LEADERSSHIP: Empowering a United and Transformative Leadership for ABI

Leadership is the compass by which any community navigates the challenges of governance. Hon. Egbala Bassey’s leadership agenda is built on transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. He is committed to creating a local government administration that is responsive to the needs of the people. His leadership policy includes:

Efficient Governance: Streamlining local government operations to ensure that services are delivered promptly and effectively, with a focus on transparency in the allocation of resources.

Human Capital Development: Providing leadership training for local government staff to enhance their ability to serve the public effectively and professionally.

Preserving Cultural Heritage: Hon. Bassey is also committed to working with traditional institutions to maintain ABI’s rich cultural heritage while fostering unity and inclusivity in decision-making processes.

His leadership vision is one that encourages collective participation, unity, and the strategic development of ABI’s human resources.

5. AGRICULTURE: Creating Economic Growth Through Sustainable Farming

Agriculture remains the backbone of ABI’s economy, and Hon. Bassey recognizes its untapped potential to drive prosperity. His plan for agricultural growth focuses on innovation, sustainability, and productivity. Key initiatives under his agriculture policy include:

Supporting Sustainable Farming Practices: Hon. Bassey will introduce modern farming techniques, including irrigation, crop diversification, and organic farming methods, to increase yield and enhance food security.

Aquaculture and Livestock Development: Encouraging fish farming and livestock rearing to ensure food security and create job opportunities.

Reviving Rice Production: Leveraging ABI’s potential in rice farming, particularly in Igbo Ekureku, by partnering with agricultural giants like Shanghai Farm to develop a robust rice production industry that will contribute to regional and national food supplies.

Hon. Bassey’s agricultural policy seeks not only to improve food production but also to elevate ABI as a hub of agricultural innovation, providing jobs and improving the economic prospects of local farmers.

6. INFRASTRUCTURES: Building the Foundation for Sustainable Growth

Infrastructure is the bedrock of any modern society, and Hon. Bassey is committed to comprehensive infrastructural development across ABI. His policy emphasizes the construction and rehabilitation of roads, markets, water systems, and more. Key components of this initiative include:

Construction of Roads and Bridges: Prioritizing the repair and expansion of key roads, including the major Bahumono roads, to enhance connectivity and improve trade.

Development of Public Utilities: Building modern public markets, drainage systems, water supply systems, and sanitation facilities to ensure clean, efficient, and accessible infrastructure for all residents.

Tourism Infrastructure: Hon. Bassey will invest in the region’s lakes, forests, and natural reserves to stimulate tourism and create jobs, positioning ABI as a tourist destination in Cross River State.

These infrastructure investments will lay the foundation for long-term economic growth and improve the quality of life for all residents.

7. EMPOWERMENT: Creating Opportunities for Women and Youth

Hon. Bassey’s vision for empowerment focuses on removing barriers to success for women and youth, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive. Key initiatives include:

Women’s Empowerment Grants: Introducing grant programs that will support women entrepreneurs, enabling them to start or expand their businesses.

Vocational and Skills Training: Offering training programs that equip women and youth with the skills needed to succeed in the job market.

Youth Engagement and Sports: Building sports infrastructure to encourage healthy living and provide recreational activities for youth.

Hon. Bassey’s empowerment agenda seeks to break down societal barriers, ensuring that women and youth can play pivotal roles in ABI’s economic and social development.

8. BUSINESS AND IGR INITIATIVES: Strengthening ABI’s Economic Base

A robust economy is key to local prosperity. Hon. Bassey plans to boost ABI’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through strategic initiatives that tap into the region’s natural resources, foster entrepreneurship, and attract investments. Key components of this agenda include:

Establishing a Rice Mill Factory: Making ABI a leading producer of rice in the South-South zone by capitalizing on the region’s agricultural resources.

Natural Resource Utilization: Developing the region’s sand, stone, and river resources to create economic opportunities for local businesses and attract external investments.

Microfinance Development: Introducing a microfinance bank in Itigidi to provide easy access to capital for small businesses, fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A Call to Action: Supporting Hon. Egbala Bassey for a Greater ABI

Hon. Egbala Bassey’s blueprint for ABI represents more than just a political manifesto; it is a roadmap for the community’s future. His vision encompasses every facet of ABI life—from health and education to security, leadership, infrastructure, and economic empowerment. The time has come for the people of ABI to unite behind a leader who understands their needs, shares their aspirations, and has the competence to turn this vision into reality.

By voting for Hon. Egbala Bassey and Hon. Joseph Ukata, the people of ABI will be investing in a brighter, more prosperous future. Together, they will build a Greater ABI—a community that thrives, prospers, and stands as a model for other local governments in Cross River State and beyond.

Lastly, Hon. Egbala Bassey’s comprehensive blueprint is not merely a campaign slogan; it is a carefully crafted plan for lasting change. With his deep understanding of ABI’s challenges and his unwavering commitment to development, Hon. Bassey is poised to lead the region into an era of prosperity and sustainable growth. The future of ABI rests in the hands of its people—let us join together to make the dream of a Greater ABI a reality.

Endorse Hon. Egbala Bassey for a brighter future.

Hon. Egbala Bassey’s Media Team