X-raying the Recent Visit of Hon Rikupki, Member Representing Ussa Constituency To His Community
By Our Correspondent
In the spirit of the Christmas and New Year festivities, the Member representing Ussa Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon Joshua Urenyang Rikupki, visited his constituency and distributed food and non food items to the people.
Echo Express discovered that the gesture is the usual characteristics of the lawmaker to cushion the severe effects of the economic situation the people are passing through.
Taking a break from the rigours of legislative activities, Hon Joshua Rikupki was at home in Ussa Local Government Area to celebrate the 2024 Christmas festivities and to also reach out to his people.
The home coming provided the lawmaker the ample opportunity to interact and feel the pulse of the different interest groups who trooped to his residence in Rufu community to welcome and celebrate the yuletide season as well as to appraise the year under review, including the success stories, challenges and to chart a way forward.
The Lawmaker who warmly welcomed the people, appreciated them for the love shown to him.
He said the plight of the people of his constituency especially widows and the vulnerable have been giving him sleepless nights.
He presented them with rice and other items, charging them to always believe and put their trust in God, appealing to them to support constituted authorities by being law abiding as they await government intervention over the activities of agents of darkness who wreck havoc in the area sometimes ago.
He tasked the people to live in peace, pledging his commitment to work towards finding lasting solutions to the prevailing challenges of insecurity bedeviling the area.
The member also extended similar gesture to the eleven wards in Ussa local government area all in the spirit of Christmas festival.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to Echo Express, thanked the member for his magnanimity and large heart which they said has rekindled their hopes in him.
They pledged to continue to support him as he continues with the good works of prioritizing their welfare and good representation at the legislative chamber.
Hon Joshua Rikupki who is the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture has within the year under review, demonstrated qualities of a true democrat as he has continued to extend his hand of help, supporting them in all ways possible to lessen their sufferings.
Recognizing the fact that education remains the bedrock of any meaningful development, the Member launched a scholarship scheme for Kuteb students in tertiary institutions in Taraba State.
Fully aware of the financial limitations of some parents to adequately fund the education of their children, ,the Member decided to complement the efforts of parents by officially launching a scholarship scheme especially for the less privilege in his constituency.
Speaking before presenting the awards to the benefiting students, the Lawmaker congratulated the beneficiaries, describing the launching of the scheme as a dream come true in promoting education in his constituency.
He appealed to those who are yet to benefit in the first edition of the scholarship scheme not to be discouraged but remain calm as plans are underway to reach out to more people.
He appealed to those that make the first list to use the cash given judiciously and strictly for their academic activities to achieve their goals.
The benefiting students could not hide their joy as they appreciated the member’s kind gesture, assuring the lawmaker of excellent academic performance.
In his comments, the President, Ussa Students Union lauded what he described as the brilliant initiative of the Lawmaker and assured him of their support.
According to him, the financial assistance will go along way in assisting them in solving some of their pressing educational needs.
He appealed to other politicians and spirited individuals in Ussa Local Government Area to emulate Hon Joshua Ureyang Rikupki.
The “Hon Joshua Ureyang Rikupki students support scheme” is going to be a continued exercise as disclosed by the lawmaker.
To promote peace and unity among his Constituents, Hon Joshua Ureyang Rikupki organized a football competition aimed at discovering new talents as well as foster unity of purpose among the community of Kuteb students CKS of tertiary institutions in Taraba State.
The finals of the competition took place in Bika Babba, Yangtu Special Development Area of Taraba State.
The initiative of the Lawmaker is also aimed at giving the Kuteb Students the platform to showcase their God’s giving talents to the outside world.
The 2024 first edition of the competition comprised of four Institutions which includes Taraba State University, Taraba State Polytechnic, Federal University Wukari and College of Health Technology,Takum.
The elimination of other institutions in the tournament paved the way for Federal University Wukari and Taraba State Polytechnic to engage in a thrilling finals of the competition to the delight of the spectators.
The match ended two all draw after 90 minutes regulations time
and in the ensuing penalty shoot out, Federal University Wukari emerged victorious by defeating their opponent by 7 goals to 6.
Presenting the trophy to the winner, the organizer of the competition, Hon Joshua Ureyang Rikupki commended all the participating teams, giving assurance that he will add value to the tournament in the future.
According to him, the spirit of unity and peaceful disposition exhibited by the participants has demonstrated that the people are ready to live in peace with one another irrespective of religious beliefs, ethnicity or political affiliation.
He tasked the students to take their studies seriously and to always be law abiding by respecting constituted authorities.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of prizes to best player, golden boot to the highest goal scorer and golden glove to the best goalkeeper among others.
