The Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs and Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Nteyin Solomon Daniel Etuk has received the donation of 31,000 facemasks courtesy of an entrepreneur in the State, Hon Godwin Udom.
The donation took place yesterday, Tuesday at the Palace of Oku Ibom Ibibio.
According to the donor, the facemask is to be shared to the 31 local government areas of the State with the less privileged in the grassroots as the targeted beneficiaries.
Hon. Godwin Udom who is also the former Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour and Productivity in his remark said the gesture stems from his resolve to support the effort of Akwa Ibom State government in the fight against the pandemic coupled with his love for humanity.
Udom noted that the reason he decided to present the facemask to the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs is because the traditional institution is closer to the grassroots hence will be better placed to reach those who cannot afford facemask.
The Donor added ” The pandemic is what the entire world should rise and fight. We cannot leave it entirely in the hands of government. Since, government cannot keep people inside forever, they have ordered that everyone should use facemask when they want to go out and fend for themselves.
“Since there are people who cannot buy facemask, humans must find solution to that challenge, that is the reason we came together to provide these facemasks for such ones.”
While commending Barr Ekere Ekong and Chief Nseabasi Udookoh for their support, Udom said he has been impressed with the way the State Government has managed COVID-19 in the State.
He maintained that the strategic approach undertaken by Governor Udom Emmanuel’s led administration in the management of COVID-19 has helped the State to stand strong among other States in the battle against the pandemic.
The Donor added ” Among the Governors in this country, our Governor has tried immensely in his approach to tackle COVID-19. That is the reason I and my friends decided to give it free with hope that it will trickle down. This is our token and gift to Akwa Ibom people”.
While calling on other public spirited individuals not to let up towards making their contributions in flattening the COVID-19 curve, Udom assured that those who give to the poor will never lack.
In reaction, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs and Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Nteyin Solomon Daniel Etuk commended the donor over his gesture.
The Patriarch noted that he is delighted over the fact that Akwa Ibom people are responding positively to what is happening around them.
Nteyin Etuk said that as someone who has served in public office, the donation serves as a means of giving back to the society.
He added ” To whom much is given, much is expected. I call on our sons and daughters to toe your path. I am certain that God will not fail to lift you higher. In this period, people are in need, hence this is the best time to give. By giving out that which would protect the life of others, God will definitely protect you.”
While noting that he has been impressed over the effort of the State Government in battling and preventing COVID-19, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom state Council of Chiefs called on all to support government’s effort while also taking safety precautions against the pandemic.
The patriarch assured that the facemasks would be judiciously shared across the grassroots
