1,000 Benefit From Lawmaker’s Leadership, Mentorship Programme In Cross River

Over 1,000 youths have benefitted from leadership and mentorship programme organised by the lawmaker representing Yakurr Two State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRHA), Hon. Mercy Akpama,

Answering questions from LEADERSHIP Friday after the training and medical outreach organised by the lawmaker, Akpama said her style of representation is anchored on empowerment rather than handouts.

The lawmaker averred that the meeting was organised to mark the second phase of constituency engagement that formed part of activities to review her stewardship while fostering peace and unity in the constituency.

Akpama stressed that sustainable development could only be achieved by organising programmes that can impact on youths to stop our society from deteriorating.

“I have learnt that leadership is about service and preparing others to be better.

“We are grateful for this opportunity and the encouragement given to us,,” she maintained.
Akpama averred that empowerment is one of the ways to equip people with skills and opportunities to enable beneficiaries of the training programme become self sustaining adding that she would do everything within her reach for grassroots empowerment.

“Coming into politics, I realised that many politicians give money and promises, but the people remain the same year in, year out. I chose a different path,” she said.

“Instead of giving fish every day, it is better to give nets. If you empower one person, it becomes a chain and others will also be empowered.”

She described herself as a grassroots politician who believes in constant engagement with constituents, noting that governance should not be done from a distance.

“My people are my people. We eat together, we play together and we reason together. That, to me, is real politics,” Akpama added.

The lawmaker also explained her special focus on students and young people, saying leadership development must begin early if society must witness continuity and progress.

Chairman of the event, Brigadier General Obol Enang Ukagu (retd.), commended Mrs Akpama’s approach to representation, describing her empowerment model as impactful and forward-looking.