Ernest Joes Inaugurates CLUE Movement, Distributes Oil Palm Seedlings, Herbisides and Cash Support to Over 200 Constituents in Obubra I

Ernest Joes Inaugurates CLUE Movement, Distributes Oil Palm Seedlings, Herbisides and Cash Support to Over 200 Constituents in Obubra I

In furtherance of the People First agenda of the Governor Otu's administration on food security, agricultural development and economic empowerment, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Obubra I State Constituency ahead of the 2027 Cross River State House of Assembly election, Tpl. (Dr.) Ernest Joes Obasse, in collaboration with the Cross River Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation development, has distributed oil palm seedlings, Agro chemicals ( Herbisides) and cash support to more than 200 constituents, describing agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, food security and household prosperity.

The distribution and empowerment programme, held on Friday at the Obubra Local Government Council Hall, attracted party leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, youth and women groups, and hundreds of supporters from across the four wards of the constituency.

Speaking during the event, Obasse described the exercise as part of his commitment to supporting farmers, improving livelihoods and complementing the agricultural policies of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu. He expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture for his support towards the initiative and acknowledged the ministry's commitment to promoting agriculture across the state.

He informed the gathering that the Commissioner for Agriculture, who had been scheduled to attend the programme, was unavoidably absent due to official engagements but conveyed his goodwill and reaffirmed the state government's resolve to continue supporting farmers and boosting agricultural productivity across Cross River State.

As part of the programme, Obasse also inaugurated the CLUE Movement, a grassroots political and developmental initiative aimed at strengthening communication, effective representation, unity and empowerment across Obubra I Constituency.

He described the CLUE Movement as a people-oriented platform designed to ensure that the voices of constituents are heard and reflected in governance. According to him, CLUE stands for Communicate, Legislate, Unite and Empower, adding that the movement would serve as a bridge between the people and their elected representatives while promoting inclusive development.

Obasse further stated that the initiative aligns with Governor Otu's People First agenda, noting that his aspiration is driven by a commitment to responsive leadership, quality representation and sustainable community development.

To coordinate the activities of the movement across the constituency, ward coordinators were inaugurated as follows: Hon. Raymond Inaku for Ofumbongha/Yala Ward, Hon. Petrus Okpandem for Obubra Urban Ward, Hon. Christian Otobha for Osopong Ward I, and Hon. Rev. Amuche, Councillor representing Osopong Ward II. The Supervisors for Environment, Finance, Agriculture and Water Resources were also appointed as alternate coordinators.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Commissioner I in the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Hon. Emmanuel Abeng, commended Obasse for initiating what he described as a visionary grassroots movement that places the welfare and participation of the people at the centre of governance.

He noted that the CLUE Movement would strengthen political participation, foster accountability and create stronger links between the people and their representatives. He charged the newly inaugurated coordinators to remain committed to the ideals of service, effective communication and grassroots mobilisation, while urging beneficiaries of the agricultural inputs to make judicious use of it. 

Reacting to the empowerment programme, some beneficiaries, including Mary Odey, Ekpiriwo Titus Michael, Raymond Okenjom and Sunday Okpata, expressed appreciation to Obasse for what they described as a timely intervention that would improve their livelihoods and support agricultural production. They described the inauguration of the CLUE Movement and the accompanying empowerment programme as a significant milestone in Obubra I's political landscape, expressing optimism that the initiative would deepen grassroots participation, boost agricultural productivity and lay a solid foundation for inclusive development ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event was attended by several prominent APC stakeholders, including the Vice Chairman of Obubra Local Government Council, Hon. Leonard Ogwa; the APC Chapter Chairman, Hon. Lucky Okpechi; the former APC State Assistant Secretary, Hon. Erong Igwe; community leaders; youth and women groups; as well as party faithful from across the constituency.

EJ Media