Mayor of Calabar Seeks Synergy In Providing Amenities
By Ekanem Asuquo
THE Mayor of the Calabar, Apostle James Anam has pledged the readiness of his administration toward effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders in providing basic social amenities needed to add value to the lives of the citizenry.
Apostle Anam who made the pledge in Calabar while commissioning a building jointly erected by the Akim community and Lion Club International and designated for an health center applauded the partnership noting that such synergy was needed to compliment government efforts in addressing basic needs of the people.
Anam,who was represented at the event by the deputy,Pst. Okon Nyong said " We are delighted by the communal efforts initiated by the Akim community in meeting the need of the people for access to quality health services.
"We salute the humanitarian posture of the Lion Club International in completing the project. This singular action reflects the burning quest to pepertullay provide service to humanity which is the global signature of Lion Club International"
In his remarks, the Ndidem of the Quas and Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality, Ndidem Eta Bassey Etata 111 revealed that the community resorted to self help since the existing health center in Akim could not accommodate large number of patients patronizing the facility for their health needs.
According to him' We opted to erect this structure when we discovered that the existing health center was becoming inadequate given the growing numbers of our people turning up to access medical care. We are grateful to Lion Club International for coming to our aid by opting to complete the project after it was stalled due to financial constraints'
The monarch urged the Calabar Municipal Council to ensure prompt provision of equipment and manpower to guarantee its early take off in order to discongest the existing one.
Also speaking,the Director General,Cross River State Primary Health Care Agency,Dr. Vivian Otu expressed delight over the development describing it as a bold step in bringing health care closer to people.
The Director General who was represented by the Director of Administration in the Agency, Cecilia Ayuk reiterated the commitment of the Agency to partnership aimed at promoting access to quality and affordable healthcare.
She charged health staff to uphold professional ethics and standard to ensure optimum service delivery while ensuring judicious use of the facility to guarantee attainment of set goals.
In a preamble,the Village Head of Akim,Esinjo Ekong Edim and a former commissioner in the state Local Government Service Commission,Elder Oqua Edim applauded the vision and contributions of illustrious sons and daughters of the community in transforming a former dumpsite into a monumental edifice.
Earlier,Lion Vera Ekpenyong who represented the District Governor,Lion Club International, District 404A as well as the President,Lion Ikwo Akiba revealed that the club opted to take over the project to ensure speedy completion in furtherance of its burning quest to serve humanity.
Highpoint of the event was the symbolic handing over the keys to the building by the Paramount Ruler to the Chairman of Calabar Municipal Council.
