The member representing Biase State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly and APC candidate for the 2027 House of Assembly election, Hon. Engr. Francis Ogban, has highlighted a range of legislative and constituency interventions undertaken under his representation, covering education, infrastructure, agriculture, peacebuilding, empowerment, financial assistance and employment opportunities.
He said the interventions were aimed at ensuring that his representation goes beyond legislative activities to address the educational, economic, infrastructural, humanitarian and social needs of constituents across Biase State Constituency, while reaffirming his commitment to effective representation and the attraction of more developmental projects and opportunities to the constituency.
The lawmaker made this known in an interview with news correspondents on Tuesday, where he outlined some of his achievements and interventions since assuming office.
According to Ogban, he has sponsored three bills, two of which have been passed into law, and more than 15 motions, some of which led to the approval by Governor Otu for the ongoing construction of road projects across Biase Local Government Area. Among the legislative initiatives are bills seeking amendments to the Cross River State Fire Service Law and the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency Law. He has also co-sponsored several other bills, while his motions have included calls for the repair of the barge at Ugbem in Biase, an investigation into the environmental and human impact of mining activities in the state, and the relocation of the Lemna dumpsite away from the Calabar metropolis.
In education, the lawmaker said his interventions include the payment of bursaries to more than 110 Biase students, sponsorship of two students for two years of full school fees to enable them to complete their studies and proceed for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as well as financial assistance to two law students. Several other students have also reportedly received support towards school fees and other educational needs.
Ogban also highlighted his involvement in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, including efforts between the Erei clan and surrounding communities, inter-state peace talks involving Utuma in Umon South and the Ihe-Isu community, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, and the mediation of a chieftaincy dispute in Ehom Evia in collaboration with the Executive Chairman of Biase Local Government Area. He further cited efforts towards resolving the longstanding boundary dispute between Etono II and Biakpan communities, where he advocated for peaceful coexistence, noting that peace is a panacea for development.
In agriculture, Ogban said 110 women across the 11 wards of Biase had received financial support, while Biase men and women were also selected to participate in the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme for agricultural support.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently in the interview, with Ogban highlighting the facilitation of NDDC solar street-light projects in communities including Ipene, Biakpan, Abawan, Ikun, Etono Central, Ehom Central, Ehom Evia and Ugbem, among other communities. Some of the projects are listed as completed, while installations are ongoing in Etono II, Afono and Abayong, among others. Approvals have also reportedly been secured for projects in Ikot Ana, Ufut and other communities.
The lawmaker further listed NDDC mini-grid light projects for several Biase communities, including an ongoing project in Ikun, as well as the repair of the 75-horsepower pontoon engine at Ugbem Beach. Other projects highlighted include the rehabilitation and renovation of five classroom blocks at Ugbahara High School, Ikun, and the renovation and rehabilitation of 30 open-market shops at Abrijang community.
Ogban also cited the facilitation of the construction of an eight-kilometre Etono/Ikun Road, the Ikun/Abawan Road with a bridge, and the soon-to-commence construction of a 12-kilometre Erei Farm Settlement Road to Urugbam through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The construction of Etigali-Mission Road and associated spurs in Adim was also listed among projects facilitated through the commission, with construction commencing soon, he revealed.
Beyond infrastructure, the lawmaker said his constituency interventions have included humanitarian assistance to constituents, such as support for medical bills, rent, school fees and other forms of financial assistance. Under empowerment, he listed the donation of one car-washing machine and two mini-buses, financial support for another mini-bus, and the facilitation of relief materials to Urugbam and Abanwan communities through NEMA and to Akpet villages through SEMA.
On employment, Ogban said opportunities had been facilitated for constituents across various government establishments, including over 14 positions in the Local Government Service Commission, two in the House of Assembly Service Commission, two in the Ministry of Health, two in the Forestry Commission and two in the technical education sector.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Ogban said he remains committed to serving the people of Biase and is seeking another mandate to continue the work already commenced. He said his aspiration to return to the State House of Assembly is anchored on his record of representation and his desire to consolidate ongoing interventions in education, infrastructure, empowerment, employment and other areas of constituency development.
As the APC candidate for the House of Assembly seat in the 2027 election, Ogban expressed optimism that the party would record a landslide victory in Biase and across Cross River State. He attributed his optimism to what he described as the growing support for the APC and the performance of the administration of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, saying the party’s programmes and people-oriented policies had strengthened its acceptance across the state. He called on party faithful, supporters and constituents to remain united and committed to the APC’s campaign for continued development and good governance.
He also expressed appreciation to the people of Biase State Constituency for their continued support, trust and confidence in his representation, saying their encouragement has remained a major source of motivation in carrying out his legislative responsibilities. Ogban equally thanked the people of Biase for their support for the administration of the People First Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, whom he described as a leader who has performed beyond expectations across all sectors.
Ogban also hailed Governor Otu for providing the enabling environment and necessary support that have enabled him to effectively represent the people of Biase State Constituency. He commended the Governor’s openness to legislative engagement and his commitment to supporting initiatives that advance the interests of constituents across the state. The lawmaker assured the Governor of his continued legislative support and commitment to the People First administration, saying he would continue to work with the Executive to promote policies, programmes and projects that will further improve the lives of Cross Riverians.
According to him, Governor Otu’s developmental initiatives and people-oriented policies are positively impacting communities across the state, adding that the people of Biase would continue to support the administration of Governor Bassey Otu as it continues to deliver dividends of democracy to Cross Riverians.
