Cross River: First Lady seeks increased investments in Health Sector
By Eme Offiong, Calabar
The wife of the governor of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, Reverend Eyoanwan Otu has urged private sectors to invest in healthcare delivery, to enhance access to quality services for the teeming rural population.
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Mrs Otu made the call when she flagged off the third edition of her free medical outreach in collaboration with Faith Care Outreach at Akamkpa local government area.
It would be recalled that the Cross River first lady had in 2023 held the first two editions of the medical outreach where more than 3,000 Nigerians received free treatment, surgeries and medications.
This time around, Mrs. Otu decided to hold the third edition in one of the most populated location in southern Cross River State, Akamkpa as part of activities to mark her diamond jubilee celebration.
Call for action
In a brief speech, Reverend Otu, stressed that the outcome of the first two editions indicated that people especially those in remote rural communities lacked access to quality healthcare services, which revealed a huge gap waiting to be filled collectively.
She said, “reflecting on the remarkable successes of our previous initiatives, particularly the Free Medical Outreach 1.0 and 2.0, I am reminded of the transformative power of collective action. The data harvested from these endeavors, showcasing 1907 general consultations, 122 surgeries, 105 laboratory investigations, 96 dental care procedures, and 341 eye services rendered in the central senatorial district, underscores the profound impact we have had on the lives of our people.
“As we celebrate my diamond jubilee birthday, I am humbled to stand before you as a humanity champion whose heart beats for the people. It is in this spirit of compassion and dedication that we organised this edition of the free medical outreach 3.0. Health is not merely a privilege but a fundamental human right, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure it is accessibility to all,” she stressed.
Speaking further, the first lady urged, “let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering a healthier and more prosperous society. By investing in the health and well-being of our people, we lay the foundation for a brighter future and a more resilient workforce.”
Responding to the gesture, the Paramont Ruler of Akamkpa, Obol Agbor Ewa Ebane expressed delight that Reverend Otu decided to hold her third outreach in Akamkpa for the people, most of whom live hours away from the nearest health post.
Ebane stated, “we, the Akamkpa people will not forget this show of sincere love for our community. I had to be here in person to ensure I see it for myself and I have witnessed it today. God bless you our dear daughter.”
In separate goodwill messages, the Cross River State House of Assembly members representing Akamkpa 1 and Akamkpa 2 constituencies, Mr. Okon Owuna and Mr. Linus Bassey testified that the Outreach was the first in recent times.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk said that the intervention was a sign of new things from the Governor Bassey Otu’s administration.
In attendance were political stalwarts, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and a host of other members of the community.
