Bakassi–Rt. Hon. Grace Etim Bassey, Councillor representing Ward 7, on Monday emerged as the Leader of the 7th Bakassi Local Government Legislative Assembly (BLGLA). The landmark event took place on Monday at the Council Headquarters in Ikot Effiom, following the official declaration of the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly by the Executive Chair of Council, Effiong Etim Okon NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
This inauguration signifies a new chapter for Bakassi, with Rt. Hon. Bassey becoming the first woman to lead the legislative council. In her acceptance speech, she expressed profound gratitude, describing the leadership position as a “shared victory” and “a testament to the resilience, unity, and unwavering spirit” of Bakassi’s people. She emphasized her commitment to integrity, inclusion, and community service, pledging to advance policies that uplift every citizen of Bakassi.
Rt. Hon. Bassey outlined her vision to promote economic empowerment, enhance access to essential services, and foster a safe, inclusive environment. She promised a leadership approach rooted in “compassionate service” that aims to elevate healthcare, education, agriculture, and security across Bakassi’s ten wards. She also stressed that her administration would champion collaborative governance rather than adversarial politics.
Alongside Rt. Hon. Bassey, the leadership team of the 7th Assembly includes:
– Hon. Bassey Mkpeti (Ward 6) – Deputy Leader
– Rt. Hon. Bassey Esoho Ekpo (Ward 10) – Majority Leader
– Hon. Ita Nyoki (Ward 5) – Chief Whip
– Hon. Joseph Orok (Ward 2) – Deputy Majority Leader
Additional members of the 8th Assembly are Hon. Nkoyo Okon (Ward 9), Hon. Nsa Nsa Effiom (Ward 1), Hon. Ene Edet (Ward 4), Hon. Miriam Okon (Ward 3), and Hon. Kenneth Edem (Ward 8).
In a citation made during her inauguration, Rt. Hon. Bassey was lauded for her decade-long service in public health and community development. A graduate of Health Information Management from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, she has been an advocate for improved health services and social equity. Her previous roles include Deputy Chief Whip and Chair of the House Committee on Health and NGOs in the 6th Assembly, where she fostered partnerships and promoted accountability.
Beyond her legislative work, she is the Executive Director of the Support for Girls, Boys, and Women Initiative, through which she champions youth empowerment, mentorship, and advocacy for women and girls. Her dedication to peace and governance extends through her roles with Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta (P4P), the Cross River State Tobacco Tax Network, and other civic organizations. She is also a certified facilitator in voter education, gender-based violence prevention, and community strengthening initiatives, with training from reputable institutions such as UNICEF, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, and PIND.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by community leaders, government officials, civil servants and residents of Bakassi who applauded Rt. Hon. Bassey’s achievements and expressed confidence in her leadership.
Congratulations poured in as she assumed her new role, with many looking forward to the progress and unity her leadership promises to bring to Bakassi.
