From Kenneth Udeh
Cross River-North lawmaker Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has constructed additional blocks of classrooms at Blukonu Migrant School, “Bebi,” and Government Secondary School, “Lushiche,” Bishiri North, both in Obanliku Local Government Area of the senatorial district.
Other commissioned projects include a block of six classrooms in three schools: Government Secondary School Bukemanya-Bisu, Community Secondary School Bendi 1, and Government Primary School Belinge-Becheve.
Constructed along with the educational facilities were staff rooms and modern toilets, including class furniture to aid the teaching and learning convenience of both staff and students.
As declared by the constituents, the latest development adds to the provision of electricity, water, and roads among infrastructure dividends delivered by the senator since his election into office.
During the commissioning ceremony on Monday, the Senate Committee Chairman on Gas emphasised the importance of quality education in transforming the lives of young people.
Jarigbe reaffirmed his commitment to supporting educational development in his constituency, noting that the projects would have a positive impact on the local communities through job creation and economic growth.
Hon. Moses Ocheche, on behalf of the Bishiri elders, thanked Senator Jarigbe for his efforts in empowering communities and constituents.
He assured the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker of continued support: “You have honoured us, we can’t exhaust what you have favoured this ward with and they are so much: electricity, water now.
“There are so many that we cannot exhaust for now, so we want to thank you sincerely. We appreciate what you have done and be rest assured that this ward belongs to you.”
It was a mini fanfare at Bebi as elated pupils turned out in large numbers, dressed in their uniforms, to appreciate Jarigbe for facilitating the first academic building with modern equipment for their school.
Jarigbe was accompanied by the member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku, Hon. Peter Akpanke; Hon. Pius Ashakia; Mr. John Ben Onah; Chief Austin Edibe; party leaders; and other members of the public.
In another development, stakeholders of the PDP held a pivotal meeting at the instance of Senator Jarigbe aimed at unifying and strengthening the party.
In attendance were the member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Constituency, Hon. Peter Akpanke; PDP Vice Chairman (North), Chief Austin Edibe; as well as stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bekwarra and Obanliku Local Government Areas.
At the meeting, discussions were held to fine-tune strategies to boost the party’s winning chances in future elections, as well as ways to promote the party’s ideals, including resolving differences and disputes among members.
Senator Jarigbe used the opportunity to thank the stakeholders for their support and solidarity with the party.
He encouraged them to remain committed:
“I am highly elated that we can sit down once again as a family. I don’t think we have gathered like this after the elections. It is my suggestion that we meet more often.
“A lot has been said and a lot has happened, but we are correcting those things. There is no family without differences, but we tolerate one another.
“Be more steadfast with the party and support the leadership in order to help us attract the dividends of democracy. We need more of your support, togetherness, and loyalty to the party.
“We have to tolerate one another, for us to continue to coexist as a family.”
Hon. Peter Akpanke, in his speech, emphasised the need for party men and women to always support the leadership in order to build a more formidable and united PDP in Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency.
Austin Edibe stated that he has been a strong advocate for the PDP’s reorganisation efforts in the state.
The lawmakers remarked that Edibe’s presence underscored his commitment to supporting the party’s growth and development in Cross River North Senatorial District and the state at large.
The meeting was seen as a significant step towards consolidating the PDP’s position in Bekwarra and Obanliku Local Government Areas.
Stakeholders and party leaders also took turns to speak on the need to eschew every political difference and work collectively for the growth and progress of the respective LGAs.
Notable party leaders in attendance included Hon. Frank Busam Adah, Hon. Pius Ashakia, Mr. John Ben Onah, Hon. Timothy Ekawu, Hon. Charles Eneji, Barr. Mike Aniah, Hon. Egar Mgbantul, among others.