CALABAR – The Cross River State representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, PhD, has distributed substantial cash gifts, foodstuffs, and other packages to hundreds of children from Wards 4 and 5 in Calabar South Local Government Area as part of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
The event, which took place at Amayo Duke School, Egerton, on Wednesday, 27th May, saw enthusiastic children accompanied by their mothers gather to mark the annual day dedicated to celebrating the potential and rights of the Nigerian child.
In a practical demonstration of support for grassroots communities, the NDDC State Representative doled out cash and various items to the children in attendance. He also used the occasion to attend to parents whose children have special needs, offering financial assistance for health challenges and educational support.
During the event, Duke reaffirmed his long‑standing commitment to community development, youth empowerment, and child welfare. He emphasised that investing in the education and moral upbringing of children from grassroots communities is the most secure way to guarantee a peaceful and prosperous future for the state.
Beyond the school celebration, the event moved to the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, where Duke met teenage table tennis players and swimmers. He gave each of the young athletes the sum of N5,000 and also donated a bag of rice to the swimmers. The stadium celebration was witnessed by the Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Hon. Lawrence Etta.
