By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
In a display of empathy and commitment to the welfare of his constituents, a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, representing Etung state constituency, Evang. Hon. Kingsley Ntui, has extended a helping hand to ease the burden on students returning to their institutions in Calabar after the yuletide holiday by providing them with free transportation.
This gesture comes amid the lingering economic challenges posed by the removal of petroleum subsidy by the Federal Government in 2023.
The lawmaker, known for his consistent efforts to uplift his people, provided free transportation services for over 60 Etung students, sparking jubilation among parents, students, and community leaders; a generous act that underscores his commitment to education and resolve to mitigate the impact of rising transportation costs on his constituents.
Ntui had earlier announced, through one of the Etung community stakeholders and activist, Comrade Anthony Bisong-Attah, of his intention to provide free transport services in tge light of surging costs of living to enable students of tertiary institutions in Calabar return to their campuses.
The announcement detailed that buses would be made available for students on Friday, January 17, and Sunday, January 19, 2025, with the Senator Victor Ndoma Egba Motor Park in Ikom serving as the designated departure point.
As a man who never swallows his word, buses were stationed at the park to ferry the students back to Calabar, the Cross River State capital at no cost.
The development excited parents and students, against the backdrop that the development had brought succour to parents and students who had been struggling to meet up with the economic realities of the time only to be assisted by Ntui’s benevolence.
Findings by our correspondent revealed that all the buses that conveyed students of tertiary institutions back to their campuses arrived safely in Calabar, without any incidents.
Speaking on the issue, one of the beneficiaries and a student of the University of Calabar, Tabe Mbeh lauded the lawmaker for the initiative.
He said, “I am really grateful for the kind gesture of our honorable lawmaker who came to our aide at this moment of economic hardship.
“You could imagine transportation from Ikom alone to Calabar could have been N15,000, outside the N3,000 I paid from the village to Ikom urban to Calabar and a bolt to the campus.”
A female student who preferred to be known as Jenifer said, “The lawmaker has shown that he cares for us. This is not the first time he’s coming through for students, and we deeply appreciate his efforts.”
One of the parents of the benefitting students, Ntufsm Collins Erim, also hailed the lawmaker. He said, “In a time when many leaders are detached from the struggles of the common man, Ntui stands out as a beacon of hope for the people of Etung.”
Reacting to encomiums showered on him, the lawmaker, who was described as a philanthropist by the beneficiaries pledged to serve his constituents even if it’s with his last resources to assist the young ones attain their educational goal.
He said, “Education is the foundation of development, and I am committed to supporting our students in every way possible. This is a small gesture, but I hope it reminds our young people that they are not alone.”
This latest gesture adds to the growing list of the lawmaker’s people-oriented initiatives. Since assuming office, he has consistently prioritized education, youth empowerment, and community development.
His Mini-Agro Empowerment Programme for cocoa farmers in Etung have earned him accolades across the constituency.
As the news of this initiative spreads, many have called on other political leaders to emulate the lawmaker’s example by implementing policies and programs that directly benefit the people. For the students and families of Etung, however, this is more than just an act of kindness; it is a performance indicator to what leadership should embody.
