In a pragmatic show of love and solidarity, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, Commissioner for Education, Cross River State, has risen to the occasion following the recent collapse of the Orierie Bridge in Uchu–Yache, his immediate community and hometown. The bridge, which served as the community’s only link across the river, was completely destroyed by torrential rainfall and flooding, leaving children stranded from going to school, farmers unable to take their produce to markets, and families cut off from loved ones, leaders, and their Clan Head across the river.
Deeply pained by the devastation, Senator Odey—visited the site of the disaster yesterday – Saturday, September 27, 2025 and, moved with compassion, presented a ₦10 million donation to kick-start the immediate reconstruction of the bridge. “It is only when my people are happy that I am happy,” he said, as he mobilized the community for collective action. Overwhelmed by this gesture, Evangelist James Eblabor also supported with ₦500,000 donation. Senator Odey emphasized that the intervention was to complement the efforts of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration, which is already constructing the Yache-Alifokpa Road and Akreha Bridge. “This is a sacrifice I must make, and I will continue to mobilize my community to actualize it,” he added as he further called on the sons and daughters of Uchu–Yache, both at home and in the diaspora, to join hands in ensuring the successful rebuilding of the collapsed bridge.
In an outpouring of gratitude, the people of Uchu–Yache hailed Senator Odey for his swift and consistent interventions, praying for God’s blessings, protection, and elevation upon him. They also reaffirmed their unwavering support for Governor Bassey Otu’s government and commended the ongoing infrastructural projects in Yache nation.