The people of Yache Nation in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State have endorsed Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term during a Town Hall meeting held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Alifokpa, the headquarters of Yache.
The meeting, convened by Senator Associate Professor Stephen Odey, the Commissioner for Education and Oyorgu 1 of Yache Nation, brought together political leaders, government officials, and community representatives.
Before the Town Hall meeting, Senator Odey, accompanied by key government officials, visited the Yache Comprehensive Primary Health Centre, Uchu. The delegation included Dr. Egbe Ayuk, Commissioner for Health; Barr. Odum Ijom Ukam, Commissioner for Youths; Hon. Dr. Fred Okem, Executive Chairman of Yala LGA; and Hon. Steve Ogbaji, Secretary of Council, Yala LGA. At the health centre, Dr. Ayuk announced plans to upgrade the facility to a cottage hospital, ensuring the presence of a resident doctor to improve healthcare services in the area.
During the Town Hall meeting, Yache leaders and representatives commended Senator Odey for his role in bringing development to the area. Speaking on behalf of the community, Chief Michael Ogri highlighted infrastructural and human capital development projects facilitated by the senator. Representatives from Uchu, Maa, Aji/Endichui, Ewor, and Okani clans praised his leadership, particularly his support during the crisis with Tiv communities.
Hon. Dr. Fred Okem, Chairman of Yala LGA, promised to grade the Echumofana-Ijiegu-Wonye-Uchu-Alifokpa ring road and boost agricultural investment in Yache. He also announced a ₦1 million donation to support the community.
Dr. Ayuk reiterated the government’s commitment to healthcare improvements, while Barr. Ukam, Commissioner for Youths, assured Yache youths of more opportunities through the “Skills in the Hands Initiative” and the proposed Youth Development Centre in the area. He emphasized that youth leadership in Yache must align with Senator Odey’s administration.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Odey praised Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu for his commitment to Yache’s development. He highlighted key projects, including the construction of the Yache-Alifokpa Road, the first tarred road in Yache, the ongoing Akreha Bridge project, and employment opportunities for Yache indigenes. The senator emphasized that Yache remains committed to APC, pledging continued development, peace, and unity in the area.
The event culminated in the unanimous endorsement of Governor Otu for a second term (2027–2031). Senator Odey also awarded scholarships to 33 Yache students and one student from Okpudu, Okpoma Ward. Additionally, he distributed cash gifts to representatives of the six Yache clans, students, elders, and traditional chiefs.
After the meeting, the delegation inspected the Akreha Bridge project to assess progress.
The Local Organizing Committee and Senator Odey expressed gratitude to all attendees, including government officials, community leaders, and Yache sons and daughters from Abuja, Calabar, and the diaspora, for their contributions to the success of the meeting.
The event reaffirmed Yache Nation’s support for Governor Otu’s leadership and the APC-led government, emphasizing continued progress of the people.
