Allegations of diversion trail distribution of NDDC cash grants, tricycles, mini buses in Cross River
Youth Tensions Rise in Cross River State Amid Alleged Diversion of Empowerment Items
Altercations between youths and residents across the three senatorial districts of Cross River State have intensified following claims of misallocation of items provided by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The materials in question include tricycles, mini buses, and N125 million in cash grants. Allegations suggest that only individuals from the southern senatorial district, represented by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, have benefitted from the empowerment program.
The NDDC, in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), distributed the N125 million cash grants along with 200 tricycles and 150 mini buses over the weekend at UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar. Although the initiative was initially celebrated by some beneficiaries, it has sparked substantial discontent among youths from other districts.
Ita Bassey, a beneficiary from the southern district, expressed his gratitude on social media, stating that the tricycle would alleviate his family’s financial struggles. However, Comrade Francis Finian Offionor, chairman of the Nigerian Youths Council (NYC) in Cross River State, criticized Senator Ekpenyong in a formal letter, alleging that the senator had favored his own district while neglecting others. He included an official NDDC directive mandating the equitable distribution of the items across all three districts.
Offionor condemned what he termed a “disappointing” diversion, claiming it undermines the dignity and integrity of youth from the Central and Northern districts. He stated, “We expected leadership that uplifts the next generation, but this fell short; you chose nepotism over fairness and accountability.”
Further, accusations were directed at Mr. Orok Duke, a commissioner in the NDDC from Cross River State, who allegedly exhibited similar favoritism towards the southern district.
In response to these allegations, Senator Ekpenyong, during the distribution event, asserted that the empowerment initiative specifically targeted the southern senatorial district but promised future programs for the other districts. He emphasized the initiative’s intention to enhance transportation businesses and decrease unemployment among local youths.
He cautioned beneficiaries against selling their vehicles, urging them to utilize the resources to establish sustainable livelihoods. “All these were made possible through support from agencies at the federal level. I plead with beneficiaries not to sell these items. Do not kill the goose that lays the golden egg,” Ekpenyong advised.
He characterized the program as the first step in a series of initiatives aimed at improving economic opportunities in the Niger Delta region, underscoring his commitment to addressing the needs of all residents.
