C'River First Lady, Obubra Council Boss, Others Attend Launch Of Mike Etaba Foundation, Pay School Fees For Dozens Of Students, Flag Off Distribution Of Free Excercise Books

By Eriacy Confidence Oba

The First Lady of Cross River State, Her Excellency, Bishop (Dr.) Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, alongside the Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, Hon. Kingsley Arikpo and other top dignitaries, on Tuesday, graced the official launch of the Mike Etaba Foundation held at the Community Commercial Secondary School, Ofodua, Obubra. The event, which also featured the distribution of Free Excercise books was a collaboration of the office of the First Lady and beneficiaries/admirers of Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, Member Representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency.

Speaking during the event, Mrs Otu lauded the Foundation’s vision, noting that it aligns strongly with Governor Bassey Otu’s administration’s commitment to improving the educational sector, empowering the youth and building a more prosperous future for all Cross Riverians.

The Governor's wife who was represented by a former Commissioner for Health and MIDC and current Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Hon. Dr. Mrs Inyang Asibong, reaffirmed her office's commitment to partnering with individuals and organizations that promote education, youth development, women empowerment and human capital development. She described the Member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba as a compassionate, humble, committed and people- oriented lawmaker whose enduring style of leadership has endeared him to the First Family and urged the people to continue to support and pray for him.

The First Lady, who facilitated the payment of school fees for dozens of Obubra students, in the course of the event, pledged the government's continued partnership with the foundation to mainstream and support women, particularly, in agriculture and other critical sectors, providing them with valuable opportunities and support for livelihoods.

“Governor Otu’s agenda is people-centered. Education, being a pillar of human capital development, remains a top priority. We are proud to partner with the Mike Etaba Foundation to deliver this promise to the grassroots,” Hon. Inyang stated.

In his keynote address, the Executive Chairman of Obubra Local Government Council, Hon. Kingsley Arikpo applauded Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba for inspiring the establishment of the foundation with his people- centered leadership, philanthropic disposition and impressive representation, noting that its focus on improving the lives of the people aligns closely with the council’s development agenda.

“Education remains one of the most effective tools for poverty reduction and community transformation.And with what I have witnessed here today, I am convinced that the foundation is passionate about investing in the future of Obubra, and as a council, we are proud to support this noble cause.”

Flagging off the first phase of the exercise book distribution, the Council Boss charged the students to stay focused, disciplined and committed to their studies, while pledging the council's continued support for the Foundation’s programs, especially those targeting educational infrastructure and student welfare. He donated the sum of 1.5 million to support the course and further announced plans to work with the Foundation to identify schools in need of renovation and provide logistical support for educational outreach across all wards in Obubra.

Earlier in his address, the chairman of the foundation, Hon. Abeng Philip, thanked them for their overwhelming support, while assuring that the foundation would continue to initiate and sustain programs that promote the welfare of women, youths and children in the constituency. He urged constituents of Obubra/ Etung to continue to rally round MP Etaba and other leaders who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their welfare and growth.

"We are committed to expanding Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba's legacy of philanthropy, service and welfaric representation - one intervention at a time. And this is just the beginning" Philips said.

Providing an overview of the Foundation’s mission,Vice Chairman of the foundation and former secretary of council, Mrs Helen Isangha clarified that the foundation is not a political group, but a people focused, value- driven, movement inspired by gratitude, service and compassion. She maintained that the foundation was established by beneficiaries and admirers of Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, the Member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, as a means to institutionalize his long-standing philanthropic disposition and called on all and sundry to support the effort.

“This is not a political organization. It is a humanitarian movement created by people whose lives have been touched by Rt. Hon. Etaba’s kindness. It is our collective way of saying thank you - by giving back to society.”

Isangha added that the Foundation’s current focus includes educational support, health awareness, anti-cultism campaigns, and women and youth empowerment, with plans for scholarship schemes, medical outreach, and community development in the near future.

In her contribution, the Director General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Anam Antigha praised the initiative and pledged SEMA’s collaboration on future safety awareness and disaster relief programs. She maintained that community-based partnerships like this are critical for resilience and education and pledged SEMA's unwavering support to the cause.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Obubra Chapter, Deacon Dennis Egor, on his part, lauded the Foundation’s non-partisan, people-first approach, reaffirming the party’s support for grassroots development. He commended MP Mike Etaba for uniting the people beyond political lines and expressed optimism in a brighter future for the constituency as long as the lawmaker remains on the saddle.

Also lending his voice, the leader of Obubra Legislature, Hon. Raymond Inaku commended the Foundation for complementing government efforts, especially in the area of education, assuring of continued support of the legislature. He described Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba as a selfless and pragmatic leader, whose impact continues to resonate.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of a lecture by CPS Innocent Ayabotu, DPO of Ugep Division, on the dangers of cultism and other anti- social vices plaguing today's youth. CSP Ayabotu warned students to steer clear of cult groups, peer pressure and criminal behaviour that could derail their future.

The launch also witnessed the additional payment of the school fees for thirteen students by Mrs Immaculate Obi and Mr. George Sunday, further reinforcing the collective spirit the Foundation hopes to inspire.