The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, has commissioned the Nde-Afi Community Market in Ikom II State Constituency to improve trading conditions and support economic activities in the rural community.

Ayambem commissioned the market on Thursday, October 22, 2026, as part of efforts to promote sustainable development and provide infrastructure that directly addresses the needs of his constituents.

The project followed recommendations from a Constituency Needs Assessment Team established by the Speaker to consult residents, evaluate existing infrastructure and identify priority projects capable of improving livelihoods across the constituency.

According to the project brief, the team identified the lack of a suitable trading environment as a longstanding challenge for residents of Afi Community.

Traders had reportedly been forced to conduct business under difficult weather conditions, exposing them to both intense sunshine and rainfall due to the absence of an adequate market facility.

The newly commissioned market is expected to provide a more conducive environment for commercial activities, improve trading conditions and support the local economy.

Afi Community Leader Commends Ayambem

Speaking on behalf of the community, the village head, Chief Etta Ekawor, expressed appreciation to Ayambem for facilitating the project.

Ekawor described the intervention as a blessing that would positively transform the community, noting that the market addressed a longstanding need among residents.

His remarks underscored the importance of community consultation and the provision of basic infrastructure in improving economic opportunities in rural areas.

Ayambem Appreciates Governor Otu

In his remarks, the Speaker expressed gratitude to Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for his continued support for people-oriented initiatives across rural communities in the state.

Ayambem also thanked the people of Ikom II for their patience, support for his leadership and continued commitment to his political party.

The Speaker’s office said the project emerged from consultations designed to identify community needs and prioritise interventions with direct benefits for residents.

The needs-assessment approach is intended to ensure that development projects reflect the actual demands of communities rather than being selected without adequate consultation.

Dignitaries Attend Commissioning

Ayambem was accompanied to the commissioning by the member representing Yala I State Constituency, Hon. Brian Odey; the Vice Chairman of Ikom Local Government Area, Hon. Maurice Ndome; and the Assistant Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Hon. Akanya Agbor.

Other stakeholders in attendance included former Ikom Vice Chairman, Hon. Asinya Ntan, and Hon. Abang Neji, the Community Relations Officer.

The commissioning marks another infrastructure intervention in Ikom II State Constituency, with the market expected to provide traders and residents of Afi Community with an improved setting for commercial activities.

The statement was issued by Matthew Okache, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, on October 22, 2026.

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