Obong of Calabar, 18 monarchs, NUJ partner foundation on coronavirus

Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, 18 paramount rulers of Cross River State and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have resolved to partner with the Ben Akak Foundation to the fight against COVID-19 in the state.

This resolution was made yesterday as the Ben Akak Foundation embarked on a sensitisation campaign against COVID-19 to the Obong’s Palace, the 18 paramount rulers of the state and the NUJ.

So far, Cross River is one of the few states in the country that has not recorded a case of coronavirus, but the traditional rulers had stressed at different occasions that the disease was a serious one hence the need to collaborate with the foundation and the state government to take the message of safety first to their subjects.

During the sentisation visit Abasi-Otu V, who was represented by the Prime Minister of Palace, Etubom Bassey Duke, expressed happiness that Cross River was still free of the virus and pledged to work with the foundation.

He urged other sons and daughter of the Efik Kingdom to emulate the foundation by using their goodwill to reach out to the needy in society, just as he enjoined the people of the state to adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in other to contain the spread of the virus.

Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, Chairman of the State’s Paramount Rulers Council, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet said the traditional institution had always played a major role in society as “We are custodians of religions, political, spiritual and other cultures, hence theyare in good position to help the foundation and government to propagate the message of COVID-19 so that their subjects will be well informed.

He advised the foundation not to stay focused, as the paramount rulers have resolved to partner with it in its campaign against the scourge. Also, Chairman of NUJ, Victor Udu pledged union’s readiness to partner the foundation as the fight against the disease required a great deal of awareness and sensitisation campaign.

On his part, Akak said he and his team visited the traditional rulers and the NUJ to solicit their support in the campaign against COVID-19 and at the same time share with them food stuff in times like this and materials for the campaign as their subjects always look up to them for direction.

Akak, who was one of the pioneer Founder’s of the Margaret Ekpo Foundation said, “We are available to partner with you so that the local governments will be better sensitised as we stand for service to God and humanity.

He added that the foundation was established for charity works to humanity, women empowerment, employment generation and engaging the unemployed in meaningful activities, among others.