To ensure fairness and the integrity of this initiative, the following restrictions apply
By Frank Ulom
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Published on August 19, 2026
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3 min read
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State is carrying out massive empowerment in the transport sector with tricycles (keke napep) to eligible Cross Riverians across the 18 local government areas of the state.
In alignment with the Governor’s vision for a grassroots-driven and authentic empowerment agenda, the following eligibility criteria have been established for the forthcoming Mass Empowerment Programme.
Eligibility & Transparency Mandates:
To ensure fairness and the integrity of this initiative, the following restrictions apply:
Exclusion of Political Office Holders: Serving political appointees (from the National to the Local Government level) and their immediate family members are ineligible.
Exclusion of Elected Officials: Elected representatives (from National to Ward level) and their immediate family members are ineligible.
Exclusion of Party Leadership: Party officials at all levels—including National and State officers, as well as Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries—along with their immediate family members, are ineligible.
Prior Benefit Restriction: Individuals who have received government empowerment support within the last three (3) years, as well as their immediate family members, are excluded.
Patronage Restriction: Beneficiaries of significant government support—including contracts, grants, or official scholarships—and their immediate family members are ineligible to participate.
Community Engagement Requirement: Priority will be given to “Community Anchors.” Potential beneficiaries must demonstrate active participation in community development and grassroots civic engagement.
The Verification & Accountability Process
To uphold the highest standards of transparency, the selection process will be subject to a rigorous vetting cycle:
Deserving beneficiaries will be identified and nominated through recognized Community Leaders and grassroots stakeholders to ensure candidates are well-known and vetted by their peers.
All submitted names will be scrutinized by the designated Ward Development Officers to ensure strict adherence to the aforementioned guidelines.
A comprehensive list of proposed beneficiaries will be published for public view at least two weeks prior to the distribution date.
We maintain an “Open-Grievance” policy. During the two-week public disclosure period, citizens are encouraged to submit petitions or formal protests regarding any beneficiary. If a protest is found to be credible, the individual in question will be disqualified and replaced to ensure that the support reaches the intended recipients.
Nearest assured that Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu remains committed to a “People-First” agenda, where empowerment is a tool for genuine societal growth, not just for political patronage.
Dr Kalita Joseph Aruku
Chairman, Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES)
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