COVID 19: Cross River State Government distributes palliatives to social institutions in the state, restates Government's commitment to the welfare of the citizens including the vulnerable

COVID 19: Cross River State Government distributes palliatives to social institutions in the state, restates Government's commitment to the welfare of the citizens including the vulnerable

By Eriacy Confidence
Ewona Marywhite

Following the outbreak of the dreaded corona virus pandemic in the world and the attendant socio- economic hardship, the Cross River State Government through the Ministry of Humanity and Social Welfare has distributed palliatives to all social institutions in the state.

The Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare, Mrs Blessing Egbara who visited  orphanages and old people homes yesterday in Calabar South, Calabar municipal and Akpabuyo LGAs of the state accompanied by the director of social works and other staff of the ministry restated Governor Ben Ayade's commitment to the welfare of all the citizens in the state including the vulnerable by way of deliberate support and provision of relief materials to cushion the effect of the hardship.

At Pope John Paul (ii) Old People's Home, Calabar, which was the first point of call, the commissioner who was received and conducted round the premises by the sister in charge of the home, sister innocentia Imenogu said:
 "With the support from the Government, we are here to share palliatives, starting with the face mask and hand sanitizer, that helps to prevent the fast spread/transmission of the deadly covid19 disease that started in China and today has caused a serious pandemic."

The commisioner who interacted with the 21 inmates of the home, said she was visiting the home for the third time since the outbreak of the pandemic and that the Government will continue to initiate programmes aimed at ameliorating the sufferings of the masses. She insisted  that as old people, they are important and dear to her as well as to the society in general irrespective of what they're going through.

 "That you are here does not mean we don't love you. Please stay strong" the commissioner added.

 Apart from the face mask and hand sanitizers, over 5000 rolls of tissue paper, several cartons of indomie noodles, bags of garri, beans, rice, wheat and other food stuffs were donated. The commissioner also presented a fat envelope to all the social institutions.

Sister Innocentia in  appreciation thanked the Government of Cross River State for such a kind gesture in this period of hardship, urging both private and public institutions to continue to support orphans and the less privileged in the state.

"We wish to say a very big thank you to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade for remembering the aged in the state in this period of hardship. We thank you too Mrs Commissioner for visiting us and for the love demonstrated towards the aged.
Sister Innocesia who revealed that their only means of feeding has been from their small farm within the premises, although, once in a while, concerned people donate food stuffs to the home.

Similarly, the Commissioner visited the INFANT JESUS orphanage Home run by Rev. Sister Christiana Anyabosim with a total number of 38 children, St. VERONICA's Orphanage Home Akpabuyo, BLESSED HOPE AND FAITH Orphanage with a total of 48 children, VESSEL Of MERCY Foundation Calabar with 6 children, GAPOLUNYA Foundation with 25 children, MOTHER ELIZABETH REDEEMED Home and others.

A 95 year old Evangelist, Blessing Bassey Duke, owner of BLESSED HOPE AND FAITH ORPHANAGE who received the commisioner in her office at 124 Goldie Road, calabar thanked the State Governor for his commitment to the welfare of Cross Riverians, stating that passion for the less privileged has necessitated  her  establishment of an orphanage instead of a church. Evang. Blessing who revealed that her 65
 children have been the only source of support for the institution, appealed to both public and private organizations to come to their aid.

"My 65 children have been the only source of support for this institution. I therefore appealed to both Governmental and non Governmental organizations and individuals to come to our aid." Evangelist Duke who began the home in 1978, lamented the seeming lack of support from successive Governments but thanked Governor Ben Ayade for breaking out of the tradition.

Also, Dr. Esther victor onoyom-Ita, the care taker of about five(5) children of one of the  homes, explained that her passion for God is what motivated her into hosting the children. She explained that under her care are:
*Children who got engaged in drugs
*Motherless children who have found comfort and peace in her arms and others

The commissioner in conclusion promised them a time to time visit to support them.