Senator Prof. Odey: Deepening the Season of Sweetness in Yala
By Ekanem Asuquo
In Yala, politics is increasingly being measured not by lofty declarations but by the tangible improvements leaders bring to the lives of the people.
Senator Professor Stephen Odey’s recent New Year empowerment programme stands as a compelling testament to this evolving standard, reinforcing his growing reputation as a leader whose influence is felt at the grassroots.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education and former Senator ushered in 2026 with a large scale empowerment outreach at his Okuku residence, drawing supporters from Yache Nation and across the Cross River North Senatorial District. What unfolded was not merely a festive convergence but a deliberate intervention aimed at easing economic pressures and strengthening community resilience. Cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, food items, cash support and hundreds of bags of rice were distributed to beneficiaries, many of whom described the gesture as timely and life changing.
For Odey, the occasion was a moment of gratitude and recommitment. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised that the celebration was designed to give back to the people who have stood firmly by him over the years. He reaffirmed that empowerment remains central to his public service philosophy, stressing that leadership must translate into improved livelihoods and shared prosperity.
Beyond the immediate material benefits, the event carried deeper political symbolism. In Yala, the phrase “season of sweetness” has come to represent a governance approach defined by accessibility, generosity and consistent engagement.
By deepening this season, Senator Professor Odey, who represented Cross River Senatorial District, appears intent on institutionalising a culture where leadership is felt not only during election cycles but through sustained human centred interventions.
His alignment with Governor Bassey Otu’s People First agenda further framed the empowerment drive within a broader developmental vision for Cross River State. Senator Odey noted that inclusive growth and sustainable development can only be achieved when policies and personal initiatives converge around the welfare of the people.
The message was clear: empowerment is not charity but an investment in social stability and economic productivity.
The strength of his grassroots appeal was underscored by the calibre of attendees at the event. Representing the governor, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Hon. Boniface Okache, commended Odey’s leadership style, describing him as a trusted and tested leader whose empowerment programmes continue to make measurable impact across Cross River North. Hon. Odey Brian, member representing Yala I State Constituency, echoed this view, praising the commissioner’s people centred approach and unwavering commitment to his constituents.
As testimonies poured in from beneficiaries, a common thread emerged: a sense of inclusion and renewed hope. In a period marked by economic uncertainty, the empowerment items were more than gifts; they were tools for dignity, productivity and self reliance.
The convergence of political leaders, traditional rulers, women and youth groups at Okuku offered a vivid snapshot of Senator Professor Odey’s enduring influence in the region. It also reinforced a broader narrative taking shape in Yala, one where leadership is judged by its capacity to touch lives directly.
As the New Year unfolds, Odey’s empowerment initiative signals more than seasonal goodwill. It reflects a deliberate effort to deepen a model of people centred leadership, ensuring that the season of sweetness in Yala is not fleeting but sustained.
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