The Executive Chairman of Biase Local Government Area, Hon. Edodi Edodi Eyong, has announced 68 shortlisted beneficiaries for the council’s Business Empowerment Scheme, aimed at supporting residents with opportunities to improve their livelihoods, strengthen small businesses and promote economic self-reliance.
The beneficiaries were drawn from the 11 wards across Biase Local Government Area, reflecting the administration’s commitment to inclusive grassroots development and economic empowerment.
The initiative is in line with the People First mantra of Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, with emphasis on putting the welfare, economic wellbeing and development of the people at the centre of governance.
The shortlisted beneficiaries are distributed across Abayong, Adim, Agwagune/Okurike, Akpet/Abini, Biakpan, Ehom, Ikun/Etono, Erei North, Erei South, Umon North and Umon South wards.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries are expected to receive various forms of business support, including deep freezers, generators, sewing machines, hair dryers and clippers, designed to enable them establish or strengthen income-generating activities.
The initiative is also expected to contribute to job creation, self-reliance and improved household incomes, particularly among residents engaged in small-scale businesses and vocational enterprises.
According to an invitation to stakeholders, leaders and party faithful issued through the APC Chapter Chairman, Biase Chapter, Rt. Hon. Bassey Sunday Bassey, the presentation and distribution of the empowerment items will hold on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Biase Local Government Council Secretariat.
The invitation called on stakeholders, ward leaders, party executives and faithful members to participate in the presentation and distribution exercise.
The council administration said the initiative underscores its determination to build a more economically vibrant Biase where residents are equipped with the tools and opportunities needed to become productive and self-sustaining.
The 68 shortlisted beneficiaries are as follows:
Abayong Ward: Madam Aja Ukam Egari, Edodi Ogban Edodi, Jennet Friday Ukam, Odubu Ukam Unor, God’sday Ukam and Magdalene Ogban Onette.
Adim Ward: Rita Ukam Owai, Owai Obo Ibe, Emesa Ernest Owai, Love Ikwa Obeten, Margaret Akpan Eyak and Esther Charles Owai.
Agwagune/Okurike Ward: Loveth Esu Edodi (Ettah Mbeh), Kanu Effime, Catherine Valentine Effiom, Itang Ebung, God’stime Odum Sampson and Favour Bassey Akwa.
Akpet/Abini Ward: Eko Enang Eko, Ojei Ojei, Micheal George Ojah, Loveth Ebit Oja, Jenny Urom Iva, Eni Eyong Anwu and Bassey Otei Egbai.
Biakpan Ward: Joseph Okpan Ukpai, Egim Kanu Ekpo, Ikoh Enang Uduma, Angel Enun Kanu, Sylvester Francis Kanu and Uno Aja Okpo.
Ehom Ward: Echip Echip Enang, Sunday Sam, Ekaete Monday Nsokong, Sampson Andrew Otoi, Charles Utit-Ofon Wilson and Ambor Owai Mbeh.
Ikun/Etono Ward: Bassey Enun Ukweni, Collins Aya Enene, Agbo Ijim Ogbu, Orie Ikang Kanu, Ibitham Onari Abba and Mba Ukpai Enene.
Erei North Ward: Owali Odumusor, Akwe Mercy Ahone, Blessing Ukam Benjamin, Daniel Ukam Ogban, Faith Ugo Okpo and Oma Enang Egwu.
Erei South Ward: Albert Owali Obin, Luis Ajah Ukam, Onugh Ogholo Uwen, Regina Edodi Eko, Joseph Egwu Esu, Elizabeth Eghong Ukam and Nnena James Elot.
Umon North Ward: Egan-Ojoi Anakari, Felix Okpora Ugumanim, Bassey Bassey Epom, Asuquo Ikwo Atta, Ugaya Ugumanim Ana and Benita Emmanuel Ogban.
Umon South Ward: Elder Francis Obo, Obo Obanbon Asuquo, Effiong Ewa Bassey, Jenny Ojoi Oti, Coraline Dien Dien and Ekpenyong Asiba Essien.
The empowerment programme forms part of the council’s broader efforts to promote grassroots economic development and create a greater Biase, in alignment with the People First development philosophy of the Otu administration.
