Day Akparawa Michael Ekpenyong put smiles on the faces of the aged, poor

For the people of Ikot Obio Edim in Ibesipko Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, 28th December, 2017 is a date they’ll not forget in a hurry as the elderly, physically challenged and downtrodden were feted with gift items for the Yuletide season.

As early as that fateful Thursday morning, the physically challenged and indigent women converged on Victory Centre, Ikot Obio Edim for the medical outreach at the end of which they also smiled home with several gift items.

The medical outreach which was sponsored by Akparawa Michael Ekpenyong, Liaison Officer, Akwa Ibom House, Lagos was carried out by Better Life Initiative for the Aged (BLIFA), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) whose aim, among other things, is to cater for the aged, provide succour for them and generally give them a reason to be happy.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of Better Life Initiative for the Aged, Mrs. Ime Inyang thanked the people for coming out in their numbers to participate in the exercise, stressing that their mission is to check the eyesight of the aged especially those who don’t have people to take care of them.

She explained that the organisation which was established in 2005 has been a doing a lot across the state in the area of providing relief materials for the aged in the society. The Coordinator who commended the sponsor of the medical outreach,  Akparawa Michael Ekpenyong, noted that the benefactor discovered them in Lagos and had to impress on them to bring their good works to his community.

“We came to bring succour to the elderly especially those above 65 years of age. We also encourage the youths to save for the rainy day by going into Insurance and lots more.”

The beneficiaries who were visibly excited by the good gesture done them, had a good time as they took turns to meet with members of the medical team that were carrying out the various tests which comprised Eye Screening, Blood Sugar test and Blood Pressure test.

Doctors on duty took time to attend to the beneficiaries, and where necessary, those with eyesight issues were given eyeglasses and other aides.

On her part, wife of the donor, Mrs. Emem Ekpenyong, expressed thanks to God for making the day a success, adding that without Him, it couldn’t have been possible. She also thanked the beneficiaries for responding to their invitation, even as she expressed regret over the absence of her husband, whom, according to her, could not be present due to exigencies of his work.

Her words: please, accept everything we offer you today. My husband said I should thank all of you for coming out. We are very grateful. My husband saw this NGO in Lagos and decided to bring them to his community so that his people can also benefit from their good works.”

There were resource persons who also enlightened the people on some ailments and how they can be prevented and treated as the case may be. One of them was Dr. Clement Bassey, who spoke on the dangers of Diabetes and stroke, its preventive measures and how they can be treated. Dr. Bassey who is a former Chairman of Ikono LGA, added that the two diseases are silent killers hence should be handled with the seriousness they deserve shortly after detection.

Dr. Idongesit, who ran tests on those with eye issues, pointed out that hypertension is equally a silent killer, urging for quick intervention when discovered to avoid it getting out of hand. He also advised people to always get the services of a specialist as soon as they discover that they have eye issues. He urged them not to be afraid of the money, but should do well to have their eyes checked by a specialist first.

Also speaking, Dr. Mfon, thanked the sponsor of the medical outreach and his wife for extending such love to the aged, whom he noted are often despised by the society. He also thanked the Better Life for the Aged for keeping to their promise by not deceiving the people.

Also speaking, Eteidung Edet Asuquo Inyang, thanked Akparawa Michael Ekpenyong for his love for Ikot Obio Edim people, noting his gesture is commendable and one that other people, especially politicians in the area, should learn from and strive to do same.

The beneficiaries, thanked  the sponsor of the medical outreach, Akparawa Michael Ekpenyong for coming to their aid, praying God to bless him abundantly.

After going through the various medical checkups, the beneficiaries were given packages ranging from rice, groundnut oil, wrappers, tin tomatoes and cash for the Yuletide and new year festivities.

The programme, according to the Coordinator of Better Life for the Aged, Ime Inyang, is a continuous exercise. She called on those who did not benefit today to have patience as the organisation will soon embark on another life changing expedition that will accommodate those left out especially the men.

She added that the NGO has its offices in Abuja,  Lagos and Akwa Ibom State, noting that the Uyo office is located at number 26 Esuene Street off Abak Road.