Plaudits Trail Otu's Commissioner Over Modern Toilets, Sewing Machines, Cash Donations To Church, Constituents

 By Ebi COLLINS  

Commendations have continued to pour in for Governor Bassey Otu's Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, following his generous donation of modern toilet facilities, sewing machines and financial support to his local church and constituents. This kind gesture is a testament to his commitment to giving back to the community.

Last Sunday, September 15, the agrarian community of Bendeghe-Ekiem witnessed the full complement of government presence, where its sons and daughters who are appointees in the Otu-led administration, notably, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate, Dr. Tiku Ebam Ndep, Commissioner III in the Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Ojong Eddy, Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs - Central, Mrs. Alberta Ojong, and the Member of Governing Council of the College of Health Technology Calabar and Vice Chancellor of Havilla University, Prof. Ejor Tiku, were on ground in accompaniment to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, for the opening of the modern toilets by him and handed over to the church, empowerment of deserving indigenes and leaders of the community.

At the Presbyterian Church in Bendeghe-Ekiem, his first point of call, where he commissioned the modern conveniences, Rev. Bessie Isoyip, on behalf of all members of the church, commended Dr. Ayuk for upholding the biblical principle of contributing to the building of God's vineyard.

She invoked the blessings that come with such obedience upon the Commissioner, and tasked leaders to borrow a leaf from the gesture of Dr. Ayuk, and also sow to the development of the church, maintaining that such is an ordinance of God to his children.

The next points of call were women leaders, then traditional rulers of the community. The women were given 300, 000 Naira and several bags of fertilizers as farming support by the Honourable Commissioner. At the chamber of the Community's central chief, Ntufam Etta Tawo, where the pantheon of traditional authority had gathered, Dr. Ayuk's thank you donation of 500,000 Naira was well appreciated by the monarchs, eliciting royal prayers for the grace to impact more on the community.

At the Commissioner's country home at Njim-Emeh, where the day's event climaxed with handing over of sewing machines and wrappers to beneficiaries and women, personalities across Etung local government area, ranging from the APC leadership and stalwarts, clergymen, and well wishers, thronged the hilly abode in appreciation and solidarity for the magnanimous gesture of Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk.

Worshippers and villagers, alike, stated that it is wonderful to see leaders like Commissioner Ayuk making a positive impact on people's lives, pointing out that donations like the four modern toilets, five sewing machines, 500,000 and 300,000 financial support to the Chiefs and women, respectively, as well as donation of fertilizers to farmers, can make a significant difference in people's lives, providing essential resources and promoting self-sufficiency.

Joining the outpour of commendations, the Vice Chancellor of Havilla University and Member of the Governing Council of the College of Health Technology Calabar, whose wife was one of the five beneficiaries of the sewing machines, Professor Ejor Tiku, wrote: "On behalf of myself and family, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your generous gesture in providing sewing machines and wrappers to your people of Bendeghe-Ekiem Ward.

"Your commitment to supporting and uplifting your constituents through this initiative is both commendable and inspiring. By equipping individuals with tools and resources needed, you are not only fostering self-reliance, but also contributing significantly to their empowerment and well-being. Your leadership and dedication to enhancing the lives of the people you serve is truly admired and commendable sir.

"We deeply value your efforts and the positive impact you have on our community. It is actions like this that build strong and more resilient societies.

"Thank you, once again, for your unwavering support to your people and for setting a remarkable example of compassionate leadership. We look forward to seeing the continued positive effects of your initiatives."

Another indigene, Temple Afu Tandu, a civil servant, in his appreciation, wrote: "Honorable Commissioner, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your kind gesture. You are indeed a blessing to our generation. My daughter and others across Etung LGA, who gained administration in Colleges of Nursing Science in the State was courtesy of you.

"Also, your generosity and thoughtfulness in providing sewing machines and wrappers mean the world to the beneficiaries and your constituency, in that this initiative is highly inspiring and commendable. I feel so grateful to you for making this significant and lasting impact on your people."

Also speaking, a university lecturer, Dr. Dominic Asu Ojong, said: "God bless you, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk Ph.D, for showing Bendeghe-Ekiem community that love; because the first point of contact in development and empowerment is your community. Personally am proud of you and this is an eye opener that everyone on appointment should show working. God bless our reputable community, Bendeghe-Ekiem.

"Let me thank you, dear Commissioner for always identifying with your people, especially the youths. Your magnanimity and empathetic disposition have been palpably evident in your community and Etung local government by extension.

"The modern conveniences at the Presbyterian Church, Bendeghe-Ekiem have solved an important need of the church. The five beneficiaries of the sewing machines are on the path to self-sustenance and entrepreneurship. It won't be long before the ripple effect begins to trickle down. On behalf of the youths of Bendeghe-Ekiem, I thank you immensely, and beseech you to maintain the tempo, Sir," Comrade Kingsley Ntue Tandu, Youth President, Bendeghe-Ekiem wrote.

When quizzed on the gesture, the Commissioner told newsmen that the community development initiative was consistent with the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration's 'People First' focus, aimed at tackling poverty and unemployment. He described the efforts as a broader initiative to provide essential resources and promote self-sufficiency.

The Commissioner emphasized that the donations were another example of the present administration's commitment to improving the lives of Cross River State residents. "These actions are a testament to the present administration's commitment to social responsibility and community development. By engaging in community development initiatives, Governor Otu's leadership is setting a positive example for leadership and social responsibility," he added.

Beneficiaries of the sewing machines included Mrs Atu Emom, Mrs. Ntue Tawo, Mrs. Obibia Bisong, Mrs. Victor Abang, and Mrs. Mbu, Anthony Erim, all of Bendeghe-Ekiem Ward.