Odukpani Local Government Council Celebrates C’River First Lady’s Birthday with Humanitarian Visit to Uwanse Motherless Babies’ Home
Benjamin GBOR
In celebration of the birthday of Her Excellency, Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, First Lady of Cross River State, the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Chief Ukpong Etim Asido, alongside members of his cabinet, paid a humanitarian visit to the Home for Motherless Babies at Uwanse, Calabar, on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
The visit, which was marked by heartfelt speeches, prayers, and generous donations, was aimed at reflecting the First Lady’s compassion and love for the less privileged, particularly children.
Addressing the children, Rt. Hon. Asido said the visit was in honor of the First Lady, whom he described as “the mother of Cross River State.”
“We are here on behalf of Her Excellency, Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu. Today is her birthday, and as her children, we felt the best way to honor her is by reaching out to you—the most vulnerable among us. Through her, may God bless and uplift you,” he said.
The Chairman commended the First Lady for the inspiration she continues to provide to leaders and appointees in the state, encouraging them to extend kindness and support to others just as she has done for them.
“Her Excellency always teaches us that no matter how small the act of kindness we’ve received, we must also extend it to others. That is the spirit we bring here today,” he added.
He prayed for the children to grow up into great men and women in society and encouraged them to listen to their caregivers and make the most of the guidance they are given.
As part of the visit, the Council donated food items, toiletries, and cash gifts to the home.
In her remarks, Mrs. Archibong, Head of the Uwanse Home for Motherless Babies, expressed deep gratitude to the Odukpani Council for the gesture. She acknowledged the efforts of the First Lady and noted the remarkable improvements made at the facility over the past year.
“On behalf of the Commissioner for Social Welfare, Bishop Prof. Margaret Ita, we sincerely thank you. To our dear mother, Her Excellency, we say thank you for always remembering this home. You’ve been a blessing to us,” she said.
Rt. Hon. Asido concluded by noting that while they may not be able to offer material gifts to the First Lady, the best they could do is to channel her heart for humanity into acts of compassion.
“May God continue to bless and strengthen Her Excellency as she celebrates another year,” he prayed.
