The wife of Akwa Ibom state Governor and founder Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Programe (FEYReP), Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel yesterday in her magnanimity put smiles on the faces of over 300 elderly people across the state as she gave out cash and gift items to mark the 2015 party with the elderly.
Setting the tone for the day, the elated First lady, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel in her remarks appreciated the elderly for coming out to identify with the government, saying even in their twilight, they were still very important members of the society. Mrs. Emmanuel said she decided to celebrate them because it was no mean feat to attain the age of seventy and above, promising that as the wife of the Governor, she will always endeavor keep in touch with them at the grassroots level. She also enlightened them on government policies such as the free medical treatment for the aged asking that they take advantage of the programe.
The state First lady said the ‘dakkada’ initiative recently launched by the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel was a call for spiritual and moral rebirth; saying even at age seventy and above, they could still rise by praying for the government to succeed in its industrialization drive.
Earlier, the Hon. Commissioner for women affairs and social welfare Dr. Glory Edet in her welcome speech described the day as been historic, saying as part of the social activities of Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Programe (FEYReP), the wife of Governor’s, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, decided to host the elderly from all the 329 wards of the state in order to rekindle and put smiles on their faces.
In a goodwill message, the Hon. Commissioner for Rural Development, Rt. Hon. Ekong Sampson appreciated the governor’s wife for bringing out the elderly from the rural areas to identify with Government. The Rural development commissioner noted that as a responsive government, the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has since hit the ground running by engaging in massive road constructions and electrification projects in the rural areas.
In a brief exhortation, Arch-Bishop Emilia Samuel charged the elderly to always be grateful to God for their lives saying, she was happy that Akwa Ibom people were fast recognizing the place of elders in the society. She appreciated the Governor’s wife for the initiative, praying that God will reward her.
The event also witnessed a health talk where they elderly were advised on diet, medication and lifestyle suitable for their age groups. Dancing competition from the elderly, with special renditions from veteran musicians such as Ette Ntia and Etubum Rex Williams also thrilled the audience.
In a vote of thanks, Mrs. Esther Dickson speaking on behalf of all the elderly thanked the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for his visionary leadership within the first 100 days in office describing it as unprecedented. She also appreciated the governor’s wife for bringing them out to be celebrated, praying that God will grant them the grace to lead Akwa Ibom.
Those who graced the event included the former deputy governor of the state, Lady Valerie Ebe, Hon. Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Elizabeth Obot, wife of deputy speaker, Mrs. Affiong Effiong, female transition chairmen and wives of Hon. Commissioners. Others were Legislators wives, wives of transition chairmen, Mbong Iban and various women groups.
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