The Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, has commended the El Zain Initiative for its commitment to improving the welfare of women, children and other vulnerable groups, describing its humanitarian mission as a welcome development for the area.
The Chairman gave the commendation when the founder of the initiative, Ambassador (Dr.) Zainab Daniel Akpan, and her delegation paid him a courtesy visit at his office at the Council Secretariat, Odot, recently.
Hon. Nyong welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the group’s focus on women’s empowerment, child development, healthcare, education and peacebuilding. He noted that such interventions could improve the lives of vulnerable people and contribute to the overall development of communities.
The Chairman also commended Rear Admiral Joseph Daniel Akpan (Rtd.) for building a lodge for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members at Government Secondary School, Ibedu/Idikpa, to provide accommodation for corps members serving in the area.
He noted that the facility had provided corps members with a more comfortable living environment, enabling them to carry out their national service under better conditions.
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Hon. Nyong expressed gratitude to Rear Admiral Akpan and his wife for their contributions to the development of Nsit Atai, particularly their efforts to support education and improve the welfare of residents.
Earlier, Ambassador (Dr.) Zainab Daniel Akpan outlined the vision and mission of the El Zain Initiative, explaining that the organisation was established to empower women, nurture children and promote lasting peace through practical interventions, education, dialogue and sustainable support programmes.
She identified women, widows, children and peacebuilding as the initiative’s major areas of focus, adding that its programmes would address the needs of vulnerable groups and create opportunities for improved livelihoods.
As part of its planned interventions in Akwa Ibom State, the founder announced financial assistance for about 20 women across the state and 10 widows of retired military personnel.
She also highlighted activities planned for the initiative’s formal inauguration, including healthcare interventions, medical debt relief, donations of food items and toiletries to an orphanage, and the distribution of educational materials to pupils in four primary schools across Nsit Atai Local Government Area.
Ambassador Akpan also disclosed that the initiative had undertaken a humanitarian intervention at Methodist General Hospital, Ituk Mbang, where it paid the medical bills of about five patients and made cash donations to other patients.
Also on the delegation were the South-South Coordinator of the initiative, Mrs. Ofonime Udoinyang; Mrs. Eunice Essien; and other members.
