Her Excellency, Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, wife of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, launched the new year with a burst of activity in Odukpani Local Government Area, commissioning a solar power project and distributing empowerment items to hundreds of residents.
On Tuesday, the First Lady officially commissioned solar panels at the Basic Comprehensive Health Centre in Adiabo Efut Ward. The installation is designed to provide reliable electricity, boosting healthcare services in the rural facility and ensuring steady power for essential equipment.
“This project is part of our ongoing efforts to improve grassroots healthcare and push for sustainable energy in remote areas,” a spokesperson for the First Lady’s office noted, highlighting her focus on rural development.
Later in the day, she moved to the Iboku Bloc – covering Creek Town 1, Creek Town 2, and Ikoneto Wards – where she handed out a wide range of items to support local livelihoods.
Beneficiaries received 20 motorcycles, 15 hair dryers, 20 home solar panels, 10 barbing clippers, 10 grinding machines, and 10 boats for those in riverine communities. There was also a shoe-making machine complete with accessories, plus cash grants of ₦200,000 each to 20 women starting or expanding small businesses.
On top of that, more than 3,000 bags of rice, wrappers, and other household essentials were shared among families in the wards.
Speaking during the distribution, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu called it her “small way of ushering people into the new year.” She urged recipients to stay resilient and make good use of the support in their trades and businesses.
Community leaders and beneficiaries praised the gesture, describing the First Lady as compassionate and dedicated to lifting lives across the state.
The events drew large crowds, with many expressing renewed optimism for 2026 thanks to the timely interventions.
