Rep. Peter Akpanke has distributed ₦15 million in cash support and 900 bags of rice across three local government areas in Cross River State to support food security and ease economic pressure at the grassroots..

During a New Year celebration with his constituents, the lawmaker, who represents Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, hosted the well-attended event at the Obudu Local Government Secretariat as part of his annual Christmas and New Year outreach aimed at easing economic pressures and strengthening community ties.

As part of the intervention, Akpanke donated ₦5 million and 300 bags of rice each to Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku local government areas. 

He also approved ₦100,000 business support grants for 33 women across the constituency to boost small-scale enterprises, household income and food-related livelihoods.

Speaking at the event, Akpanke said the initiative was designed to cushion the impact of rising living costs while ensuring that families and small traders could begin the year with renewed stability.

“Although official duties prevented me from being physically present during the Christmas celebrations, I made it a priority to start the New Year with my people,” he said. 

“This has always been part of my commitment to giving back and staying connected to the grassroots.”

The lawmaker noted that food support and cash grants remain critical for rural communities, where access to affordable food and capital continues to shape household welfare and small-scale agricultural activities.

He added that empowering women through business grants would help strengthen local food value chains, markets and family nutrition across the constituency.

The event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and party supporters from the three local government areas, including local council chairmen, royal fathers and members of the clergy.

Akpanke also used the occasion to appreciate the Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his leadership and commitment to development, while reaffirming his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a notable political development, the federal lawmaker welcomed defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including a former chapter chairman and supporters, who joined the APC during the celebration.

Source: Cross River Govt