IMOKE ETORTI:Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, First Lady of Cross River State, Celebrated Retirees in the State, Donated Millions of Naira

An in-depth report by

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Pst. Imoke Etorti, Ph.D

On Friday, December 20, 2024, as evening descended under a sky adorned with twinkling stars, the African Club in Calabar was radiated with a vibrant celebration of joy, a galore show of humanity, and a symphony of elegance. The air shimmered with golden warmth, filled with an unmistakable sense of merriment. Rhythmic sounds of soft music and captivating Ekombi cultural dance displays created a festive atmosphere, as the first lady of Cross River State, Her Lordship Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu in collaboration with her husband Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, hosted the second Christmas Get-Together for Senior Citizens (Retirees) in the state, a grand display of kindness and festive cheer to honor these modest heroes.

Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, adorned in a gown that mirrored the vibrant colors of our State’s landscape, stood as a flare of this celebration. She warmly acknowledged and welcomed all the senior citizens to the event, expressing immense gratitude to God for His benevolence, privilege, and faithfulness. She further stated that it was an honor to be in the presence of her esteemed senior colleagues, friends, brothers, and sisters from Cross River State and Nigeria. She reassured them that age is just a number and that the season of sweetness is still within their grasp, with much to offer.

Her Excellency acknowledged the retirees’ past contributions and their importance in shaping the very fabric of our State. "This celebration," she said, "is not merely a get-together; it is a heartfelt thank you. You have shaped the future of Cross River State, and your legacy will forever be etched in its heart." Additionally, she expressed her gratitude to her husband, Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, for taking time out of his busy schedule to join her in celebrating the senior citizens.

She encouraged the retirees to regularly attend health check-ups with their medics and to reduce excessive thinking. Instead, she suggested they indulge in aerobic exercises or simply take a walk around their surroundings, as our state is peaceful and safe for such activities. Once again, she thanked the senior citizens and assured them that a bigger celebration would be held next year, courtesy of her loving and supportive husband.

Governor Otu, in his remarks, began by expressing his heartfelt pleasure in joining the senior citizens at their second Christmas get-together. He described the retirees as “great heroes” whose contributions would forever be etched in the annals of the state’s history. “You shall not be forgotten,” he assured them, “but rather, you will be carried along, honored, and remembered for the monumental roles you have played.”

He reiterated his government’s unflagging commitment to providing opportunities for the younger generation to step into the roles left by the retirees. “Though retirement marks the end of one chapter, it is the beginning of another. Age,” he said, “is but a number. What truly matters is the ability to continue to perform, to stay active, and to remain engaged in meaningful pursuits." Governor Otu further emphasized the importance of retirees staying productive after retirement, calling them "pillars of wisdom" whose guidance could continue to shape the future of Cross River State.

In a tone filled with optimism, the Governor assured the retirees, “Cross River State shall rise again. God, who began a good work in us, is faithful to see it through to completion.” He called upon the senior citizens to channel any concerns or complaints to the convener of the event or directly to his office, promising swift and compassionate attention to their needs. Before concluding, Governor Otu expressed profound gratitude to the retirees for their enduring contributions and gave additional financial support to the initial budget for the event, reaffirming his dedication to their well-being.

The occasion was graced by an array of distinguished dignitaries, each adding their presence to the rich fabrics of this unforgettable event. Among the notable attendees were the Coordinator of the event, Rev. Mrs. Grace Ekanem, the wife of the former Military Administrator, Mrs. Pam Ogar, the esteemed former Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, the Pro-Chancellor of Author Javis University, Akpabuyo, Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide, the wife of the former Deputy Governor of the State, Mrs. Omotunde Ivara Esu, wife of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Virginia Ironbar. Also present were former Commissioners, former Permanent Secretaries, the Personal Assistant to the Governor for Culture and Tourism, as well as a host of senior citizens (Retirees), clergymen, and esteemed members of the press too numerous to mention.

Rev. Mrs. Grace Ekanem, the coordinator of the event, shed light on the occasion, revealing that the Christmas get-together for senior citizens is a vision and project initiated by Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu. She further explained that the inaugural edition of the event took place in December 2023. According to Rev. Mrs. Ekanem, Her Excellency considered it vital to invite senior citizens every year, to celebrate Christmas with them and extend her magnanimity. This year’s gathering marks the second Christmas get-together, and it is believed that, over the course of the eight years within the "Season of Sweetness," this cherished project will continue to thrive.

On behalf of the male senior citizens, Pst. Engr. David Alobi extended the Retirees heartfelt gratitude to Governor Otu and his esteemed wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, for their exceptional generosity during the second Christmas get-together and for honoring the Retirees. In his words,  "Your benevolent spirit has brought much joy and encouragement to us, ensuring we feel valued and appreciated. We pray that God continues to bless and strengthen you both, guiding your path with wisdom and grace. May your efforts bring prosperity and peace to Cross River State, and may you always find favor in the eyes of the Almighty".

Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, the former Head of Service of the Federation, lauded the Wife of the Governor for her exceptional motherly care of Retirees in the state. She emphasized the importance of providing Retirees with proper guidance and workshops on managing their finances, avoiding fraud, and planning for a stable post-retirement life. She also recommended including Retirees in the MSME Development Fund to help them access low-interest loans and start businesses, ensuring financial stability after leaving the workforce.

Furthermore, Mrs. Oyo-Ita urged retirees to take advantage of the collaboration between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Pension Commission (PenCom), recognizing the significant benefits it offers. She assured them that those who engage with these initiatives would secure a more prosperous and stable retirement, expressing confidence that such involvement would lead to greater financial security in the future.

This special event provided a heartfelt opportunity for the senior citizens to reconnect, share cherished memories, and draw strength from each other’s company. The atmosphere was rich with respect, joy, and generosity—a true celebration of the retirees' inestimable contributions to the state. In a moment of profound gratitude, each retiree was honored with a cash donation to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, generously presented by Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu.

As the evening drew to a close, the event was formally concluded with a prayer led by Apostle Frank Umo, sealing the occasion in a spirit of peace, unity, and divine blessing.

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