The member representing yakurr 2 state constituency, in state House of Assembly, Rev Dr Mercy Akpama, has completed and handed town hall projects to Nko and Mkpani communities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The colourful ceremony drew traditional rulers, the clergy, women and youth groups, as well as other stakeholders from both communities.
Speaking during the handover, Rev. Dr Mercy Akpama said the multi-purpose town halls were built to provide the people with a central venue for meetings, social events, conflict resolution and government-citizen engagement.
She noted that the initiative followed needs assessment visits to the two communities where she observed the absence of decent public facilities.
“voting me in the house of assembly is like sending me to the farm. So this project is like a part of the process from the farm. We came, we saw the need, and we acted. I grew up in this community, so I know the importance of this hall to the people. It will serve very many uses- meetings, peace talks, for planning community development programmes and so on. The government in Cross River State is determined to meet the people where they are, and this is one way of doing that.”
Community leaders who spoke at the event, including Brigadier General Enang Ukagwu Rtd described the intervention as timely and people-oriented.
“This is what representation is about. Dr Mercy has listened to her people and delivered. This hall will serve generations to come. We appreciate this gesture.”
Traditional head of Nko Community, HRH Obol Effiom Ayonobi joined his counterpart from Mkpani, HRH Obol Sunday Okoi thanked the lawmaker and said the facilities will promote unity, peace, and social cohesion in their communities.
“For many years we gathered under trees. Today we have a befitting place. This will bring our people together and make governance easier at in our community. We thank the administration governor Bassey Otu for the cooperation they have given her to achieve this for us.”
Women leaders were full of excitement, One of them, Adiah Eteng said the town halls will now serve as venues for their meetings, skill acquisition programmes, and celebrations of different kinds.
“Mama Mercy, thank you. Now we can meet, train our women, and celebrate without fear of rain. This is a blessing to all women in Mkpani.”
Youth leaders from both communities also pledged to protect the facilities and use them for town hall meetings, talent shows, and community development planning. David Obongha from Mkpani said,
“We the youths promise to guard this hall. We will use it for programmes that will develop our skills and unite our communities.”
In rural Nigeria, the town hall is more than just a building. It is the heart of the community — a place where important community functions are held.
But in many rural settings across the country, and indeed Cross River State, this essential infrastructure is either dilapidated, or non-existent.
Activities held in open squares are often disrupted by rains, and during security or health emergencies, coordinating response becomes difficult.
With the completion and handing over of these multi-purpose town halls, Nko and Mkpani now have modern centers that stakeholders say will strengthen participation in governance and accelerate development at the grassroots.
They are calling on government at all levels, elected representatives, and well-meaning individuals to prioritize town hall projects as part of rural development initiatives.
