By John Umeh
Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has brought relief to 1,234 female street sweepers across the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts of the state by clearing 11 months of unpaid stipends.
The gesture, announced during a series of celebratory events in Ugep, Ikom, Ogoja, and Obudu, was more than a financial intervention. It was also a demonstration of recognition for the women’s dedication to keeping Cross River clean and green, despite months of working without pay.
In addition to settling the backlog, the First Lady distributed 170 Point of Sale (PoS) machines to the women sweepers and Persons with Disabilities, further empowering them to diversify their sources of livelihood.
“Your Sacrifices Have Been Rewarded” – First Lady
Addressing the beneficiaries, Rev. Mrs. Otu praised their resilience and commitment despite months of hardship.
“For 11 long months, you laboured without receiving the reward of your sweat. Many endured hardship, yet you did not give up,” she said. “By the grace of God and under the compassionate leadership of my husband, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, your tears are being turned into laughter, and your sacrifices are finally being rewarded.”
She added that the intervention was not just about clearing debts but also about restoring justice, dignity, and recognition to the women.
“This reflects my husband’s ‘People First’ mantra. Our government prioritises the needs of the people, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of ordinary citizens. You, the women sweepers, are unsung heroines deserving of celebration and support,” she declared.
Local Leaders, Lawmakers Applaud Gesture
The Chairmen of Yakurr, Ikom, Ogoja, and Obudu LGAs lauded the initiative, describing the First Lady’s intervention as “a beacon of hope and humanity.”
State lawmakers Mercy Akpama (Yakurr II Constituency) and Samuel Neji Abang (Ikom I Constituency) also praised the effort, noting that it would instill a greater sense of belonging among the women sweepers.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of Obudu LGA, Mrs. Elizabeth Adie, said the gesture affirmed that “diligence will always be rewarded,” while Mrs. Dorathy Oko of Bekwarra Women in Politics called for the revitalisation of the Urban Development Authority to ensure lasting cleanliness in the state.
Beneficiaries Share Their Joy
Some of the sweepers expressed deep gratitude to the Governor’s wife. Mrs. Josephine Boniface from Obudu Urban and Mrs. Jenny Ofem from Ugep Urban said the payments and empowerment initiatives made them feel “valued and appreciated,” praying for blessings upon the state’s First Family.
Breakdown of Beneficiaries
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Ugep Urban – 420 sweepers
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Ikom Urban – 198 sweepers
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Ogoja – 281 sweepers
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Obudu – 335 sweepers
In addition to the stipend payments, 40 PoS machines were distributed in each of the four LGAs, with an extra 10 allocated to Persons with Disabilities in Yakurr LGA.
A Reflection of the “People First” Agenda
Rev. Mrs. Otu assured the sweepers that her husband’s administration remains committed to uplifting ordinary citizens.
“My husband is committed to ensuring that you are never forgotten again. The ‘People First’ agenda means that no one’s service will go overlooked, from Yakurr to Ikom, and across all our districts. To every woman here today, I say: hold your head high. You are keeping our environment clean, and in doing so, you are securing a brighter future for us all. We celebrate you today and will continue to empower you tomorrow,” she affirmed.
With this intervention, the Cross River First Lady has not only provided financial relief but also strengthened the dignity and livelihood of hundreds of women whose work forms the backbone of the state’s environmental cleanliness.
