Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Eyoanwan Otu, has successfully cleared 11 months of unpaid stipends owed to 1,234 women sweepers of the Urban Development Authority across the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts.
The initiative, which was a demonstration of a show of support and recognition for their dedication to keeping the streets of Cross River State clean and green, also included the distribution of 170 Point of Sale Machines, empowering these women further in their livelihoods.
In her address during celebratory events held separately in Ugep, Ikom, Ogoja, and Obudu, which was concluded on Monday, the first lady remarked, “For 11 long months, you laboured without receiving the reward of your sweat. Many endured hardship, yet you did not give up.
“By the grace of God and under the compassionate leadership of my husband, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, your tears are being turned into laughter, and your sacrifices are finally being rewarded.
“I am delighted to announce that the backlog of your unpaid salaries has been cleared.”
Emphasising the significance of the occasion, she said, “This is not just about payment; it’s about justice and dignity. This reflects my husband’s ‘People First’ mantra.
“Our government prioritises the needs of the people, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of ordinary citizens.
“You, the women sweepers, are unsung heroines deserving of celebration and support.
“My husband is committed to ensuring that you are never forgotten again. The ‘People First’ agenda means that no one’s service will go overlooked, from Yakurr to Ikom, and across all our districts.
:To every woman here today, I say: hold your head high. You are keeping our environment clean, and in doing so, you are securing a brighter future for us all. We celebrate you today and will continue to empower you tomorrow.”
In their remarks, the Chairmen of Yakurr, Ikom, Ogoja, and Obudu Local Government Areas expressed gratitude for the governor’s wife’s commitment to the welfare of women, calling her actions “a beacon of hope and humanity.”
Mercy Akpama and Samuel Neji Abang, representing Yakurr 11 and Ikom 1 State Constituencies, in the state House of Assembly, praised the gesture, highlighting its positive impact on instilling a sense of belonging among the women.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Obudu LGA, Mrs. Elizabeth Adie, commended the first lady for valuing the women’s hard work and for her gesture, which affirms that diligence will be rewarded.
Mrs. Dorathy Oko, speaking on behalf of Bekwarra Women in Politics, noted the plight of women sweepers who had halted work due to longstanding arrears, urging for a revitalisation of the Urban Development Authority in Bekwarra to maintain the state’s cleanliness.
Beneficiaries, Mrs. Josephine Boniface from Obudu Urban and Mrs. Jenny Ofem from Ugep Urban shared how the gesture made them feel valued and appreciated, praying for blessings upon the state’s first family.
Among the 1,234 beneficiaries, Ugep Urban had 420 sweepers, Ikom Urban had 198, Ogoja had 281, and Obudu had 335.
Additionally, 40 POS machines were distributed to women sweepers in each of the four local government areas, with 10 also allocated for Persons with Disabilities in Yakurr LGA.
