In a stunning display of resilience, the residents of Cross River have once again promised themselves a brighter future, despite the overwhelming evidence of past broken promises. The annual “Hope in Our Hearts” convention kicked off this week, showcasing a series of heartfelt speeches that could hardly drown out the sound of crumbling infrastructure and dwindling resources. Attendees gathered in a makeshift hall—affectionately dubbed “The Last Hope Pavilion”—where the walls were adorned with peeling posters of last year’s “Vision 2023” initiative. This ambitious plan, aiming to revitalize the economy and ensure basic amenities for the community, remains an unfulfilled dream, much like the residents' breakfast aspirations before the local power outages. Mayor “Promising” Peter, known widely for his eloquent speeches and even more eloquent absences from action, opened the convention with a stirring oratory on hope. Waving his hands dramatically, he exclaimed, “We are a people of grit, bound by dreams larger than our problems! Join me as we aspire towards the golden age we’ve envisioned every year since… well, since forever!” The audience erupted in applause, fueled by the collective denial coursing through the community. Meanwhile, local vendors, displaying their artisanal crafts made of recycled campaign posters, reported sales are up this year! “It’s the most business I’ve done in months,” grinned local entrepreneur Tabitha, cutting through the air thick with irony. “I guess selling hope really does have a market.” Tabitha’s products include “Hope-in-a-Bottle,” a concoction of local fruits that, while not potable, is certainly colorful and promising in appearance. On the other side of the town square, the Cross River Department of Promises (CRDP) unveiled its latest development initiative, the “Wait and See” program. This innovative policy encourages citizens to simply wait a bit longer for the bridges and roads that were promised years ago. “Patience is virtuous,” explained local official Tunde “We Don’t Have the Budget” Okonkwo, “and we’re making a concerted effort to teach our community how to wait—and hope—with style.” But the most heartwarming aspect of the convention was the “Wall of Broken Promises,” a staggeringly long installation displaying the numerous projects that were announced but never materialized. From “Clean Water by 2020” to the now-infamous “Solar-Powered Rice Cookers for Everyone” scheme, citizens stood before the wall in solemn reflection. It was a moving moment until someone tripped over the uneven ground, drawing laughter from those who realized this was indeed the true nature of their reality. One particularly poignant highlight was a touching tribute to the town’s dear old slogan, “Tomorrow is Yours!” which has become a running joke among elders who remember the day that motto was unveiled. “We never thought it would backfire so spectacularly,” chuckled veteran resident Mama Nkechi, adjusting her well-worn optimistic cap. “At least we have something to look forward to… even if we’re still waiting for everything else.” As the convention draws to a close, residents are left with one singular promise for the year ahead: To hope harder and wait longer. The atmosphere buzzes with an electrifying sense of tenacity mixed with the melancholy of reality, proving once again that in Cross River, despair is just another word for innovation.