Senator Eteng Williams: A Legacy of Service, A Vision for 2027
In less than two years, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, has redefined effective representation with a transformative blueprint that has touched every sector of the lives of his constituents. With a resolute commitment to infrastructural development, empowerment, and sustainable progress, his tenure stands as a testament to visionary leadership, foresight, and an unrelenting dedication to the people. As the clock ticks towards 2027, it is clear that Senator Williams is not just a politician; he is a phenomenon, a harbinger of prosperity, and a beacon of hope for Cross River Central.
Legislative Milestones: Driving Policy for National Growth
Bills Sponsored
Senator Williams has demonstrated legislative prowess by sponsoring the following bills, all of which have successfully scaled the first reading:
1. Nuclear Safety Security and Safeguard Bill, 2023
2. Mineral and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023
3. Chartered Institute of Petroleum and Gas Engineers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024: Currently awaiting its third and final reading.
4. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Paving the way for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ugep.
Motions Raised
Senator Williams has proactively addressed pressing national issues through critical motions, including:
1. Relief Support for Citizens Affected by Communal Clashes: Advocating federal intervention for victims of the Ovonum and Ofatura communal conflict.
2. Curbing Illegal Oil Exploitation in Nigeria : Addressing the economic and environmental dangers of unregulated oil activities.
3. Security and Protection for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) : Ensuring government action to safeguard displaced populations in Cross River Central.
4. Revitalization of Technical and Vocational Education : A motion calling for urgent measures to salvage Nigeria’s collapsing technical education sector.
5. Reform of Nigeria’s Counterpart Fund Policy : Proposing the establishment of a National Counterpart Fund Account for better financial management and project execution.
Revolutionizing Healthcare: Federal Medical Centre, Ugep
A milestone in the legislative stride of Senator Eteng Williams is the successful passage of the first reading of the Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB 525), which seeks to establish the Federal Medical Centre in Ugep. This institution will eliminate the burden of long-distance travel for tertiary medical care, bringing state-of-the-art healthcare closer to the people of Cross River Central.
Beyond policy, his direct interventions in healthcare have impacted over 10,000 constituents through free medical outreach, which included 235 free surgeries and 1,028 dewormed children, reaffirming his commitment to quality healthcare.
Infrastructural Development: A New Dawn
Recognizing that development is built on solid infrastructure, Senator Williams has spearheaded significant projects:
Solar-Powered Boreholes: Ensuring sustainable water supply in Bendeghe-Ekiem (Etung), Ediba (Abi), Olulumo (Ikom), Ababene (Obubra), Ijom (Ugep), Assiga (Yakurr), Aduma (Mkpani), Afaben (Mkpani), and Boje (Boki).
Project Light Up Central – Installed solar-powered streetlights across communities in Yakurr, Obubra, Boki, Etung, and Abi Local Government Areas, enhancing security and night-time economic activities.
Road Construction : Facilitating the ongoing 2km Mkpani Ring Road and the Mkpani-Lebang Road.
Empowering the People: Grants, Training & Scholarships
Senator Williams' governance model is people-centric, ensuring financial and intellectual empowerment:
Empowerment Grants : 550 constituents received N100,000 each, while 1,200 others benefited from the Federal Government Presidential Grant of N50,000 each.
Vocational Training : Youths and women trained in agricultural entrepreneurship, livestock farming, and anti-child trafficking initiatives, with beneficiaries receiving startup capital and materials.
Foreign & Local Scholarships: 12 students secured full foreign scholarships valued at over €40,000 each, while 21 Law School students received N200,000 in grants.
Agricultural Interventions: Feeding the Nation
Understanding that agriculture is the backbone of rural prosperity, he distributed 1,200 bags of NPK and Urea fertilizers to farmers across the 66 wards of the district, boosting food production and economic stability.
Education & Job Placement: Building a Knowledge-Based Economy
Education remains a priority, with ongoing construction of a 3-classroom block in Aduma Primary School, Mkpani, and donation of educational materials to over 50 public schools. His facilitation of job placements and federal appointments has seen constituents secure positions in key government and security agencies.
Sports & Community Development: Fostering Unity and Growth
Sports Development : Sponsorship of the Sweet Prince Otu Cup and the Yakurr Unity Cup 2024, uniting communities, fostering peace, and showcasing local talent, with over 200 secondary school teams participating.
Community Support : Distribution of 2,400 bags of rice during the Yuletide season and financial assistance to persons with disabilities.
2027 and Beyond: A Call to Greater Heights
Senator Eteng Williams' performance is not just a political scorecard; it is a manifesto of continued transformation. His track record proves that he is not only worthy of another term but that Cross River Central needs his visionary leadership beyond 2027. As the election approaches, the people must consolidate on this development by ensuring that the mantle of leadership remains in capable hands.
With Senator Eteng Williams, the journey towards a greater Cross River Central has just begun. The future is here, and it is brighter than ever!
Dr. J. I. Ofem, writes from Yakurr Nation.
