Yuletide Celebration: The Ekpenyongs Celebrate with Atan Onoyom Riverine Community

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It was a joyful moment for residents of Atan Onoyom in Eniong Abatim, a Riverine Community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State as the family of Honourable and Dr Ekanem Ekpenyong doled out cash, foodstuffs, clothing, and other materials to members of the community.

The event which took place at the Atan community Square was part of activities by the family to celebrate the yuletide and offer their supports to compliment His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade’s gesture in showing love and putting smiles on the faces of Cross Riverians.

Addressing the gathering comprising of chiefs, youths, women and other age grade representatives, Commissioner 1 in the state Sports Commission, Honourable Ekanem Ekpenyong said the family decided to celebrate with the people because of the love they have for them and in the spirit of celebration, it was important to share the little they have with their precious community. He thanked the people for their believe and support to His Excellency over the years.

He said in every society, the pace of development may not be even across board, but with perseverance and patience, more development including infrastructures and other social services will spring up in the community.

He promised to always support the community in order to maintain total peace and stability which is a router to growth and development, while reiterating their commitments as a family to continually pay fees for students, provide educational materials, uniforms and footwears to ensure that they build their confidence and focus during studies. He also pledged continued empowerment for women and youths in the community.

In her remarks, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong thanked God for the privilege of being alive to celebrate at the end of the year with her community and appreciated them for the love and unity that exist amongst them. She also thanked His Excellency Sen Prof Ben Ayade and his dear wife, Dr Linda Ayade who made it possible for all these to happen, as the government is constantly agitating for better and improved welfare for his people.

The DG further promised to sustain the various interventions especially in the areas of quality healthcare provision, as renovation of the health centre has commenced, and qualitative education for student, noting that, every society needs healthy individuals as well as learned citizens to chart their courses.

She thanked the women for the peace they have spearheaded in the community and their resolve and hardwork to keep the community united. She also encouraged them to visit the health centre which is always open , stop giving birth in the house or with traditional birth Attendants so that we won’t loose our children and mothers as well, which is inline with Government’s commitment to ensure that we reduce maternal and child mortality.

The Councillor representing Eniong Ward, Hon Ben Nkebem, who thanked the Ekpenyongs for their kind gesture also charged the community to continue to live in peace and harmony, while reiterating His Excellency’s commitment to improve on the lives of the people.

In his response, the chief of the community, Chief Francis Effiom Idim thanked the family for always coming through for their people as he encouraged other sons and daughters of Eniong Abatim to follow suit in order to give the people a sense of belonging.

He prayed God to continually provide for the family and keep them in good health.

The woman leader also thanked the Commissioner 1 and the Director General for the show of love and pledged their continued support to them, His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade and his dear wife Dr Linda Ayade.

Highlights of the event was the distribution of cash, distribution of food stuffs, Cow, educational materials, on the spot medical services for the aged and it’s citizens, distribution of wrappers to women etc.