To mark his 54th birthday anniversary, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon, said the gesture of always celebrating his birthdays with orphans and the less-privileged people “is intended to put lasting smiles on the faces of these children, spread love and generate happiness for mothers who need assistance at the hospital after child birth.”
Accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Queen Okon, friends, associates and well-wishers including Akwa Ibom Female Youth Association, the Commissioner, whose birthday is inextricably tied to Nigeria’s Independence, made an unannounced stop at the Mother Charles Walker Children’s Home, Anua Offot, Uyo, where he cut his birthday cake with the children, donated food items, exercise books and cash.
He charged the children to be God-fearing, obedient and respectful to the authority of the centre and to their elders so as to gain the blessing of God and fulfil their dreams in life.
Responding, the Coordinator of the Centre, Rev Sister Matilda Inyang, expressed appreciation to Mr. Okon and wife for providing succour for the children and stressed that the gesture would go a long way in putting smiles on the faces of the children.
The Commissioner also made another stop at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua Offot, Uyo, where he paid medical bills for over 12 mothers who were delivered of their babies on October 1 and other patients.
Some of the mothers who enjoyed the Commissioner’s benevolence included a mother of triplet, Mrs. Idorenyin Okokon, Mrs. Juliet Nwabuisie, Mrs. Uduakobong Godwin, Mrs. Stella Unyime, Mrs. Mary Peter, Mrs. Aniebiet Christopher, Mrs. Uduak Asuquo, Mrs. Utitofon Jackson, Mrs. Comfort Elishia, Mrs. Emem Ekanem, among others.
Also responding, the Medical Doctor in charge of the Labour Ward, Dr Emmanuel Boniface Okon, and his colleague at the Post-Natal Ward, Dr Uyaiabasi Eshiet, thanked Mr. Okon and wife for their thoughtfulness and for offering their milk of kindness to the less-privileged.
According to them, “This gesture and thoughtfulness go a long way in putting not just smiles on the faces of these patients, but also demonstrates your genuine love and care for them.”
“That you chose to celebrate your birthday in this manner, goes a long way in showing your heart of meekness, kindness and love, and there is no better way to integrate these patients and their babies into the society, than this visit. We thank you sincerely,” they added,
