CRARN Holds Christmas Party For Children

…Scores Gov. Udom Emmanuel High on Security, Industrialization

A charity and children rights group in Eket, Nigeria, the Child’s Right and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) this week held a mega children party to mark this year’s Christmas celebration in Ikot Afaha, Eket Akwa Ibom State.

The celebration which was tagged “Arise and blossom” drew dignitaries across the state, affording the children the opportunity to display their talents, which includes continent and countries citation, poetry, different cultural displays and dances.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Obonganwan/Dr. Ini Adiakpan who was the special guest of honor, commended the organization for supporting and taking care of the less privileged children who have been abandoned by their families and parents and for giving them hope and education that they needed most. The commissioner condemned the act of abandonment of children by parents and families due to unfounded belief which has put many children in harm’s way. She maintained that the state government has prosecuted several parents for negatively profiling and torturing their children, and called on parents to see their beloved children as gifts from God. She described Governor Udom Emmanuel as a child friendly governor who will do everything humanly possible to protect the children of the state and give them a better future. The commissioner who was represented by the Director of Child in the ministry, Mrs. Arit Asuquo said her ministry will partner with CRARN to give the children adequate support and education.

In his welcome address, the President and CEO of CRARN, Mr. Sam Itauma commended the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Deacon Udom Emmauel for his industrialization drive aimed at creating jobs and boosting the economy of the state, and for returning the state back to the path of peace while ensuring that lives and property were not only protected in the state but became sacrosanct. Itauma recalled with sobriety how he couldn’t sleep in his house due largely to threats to his life and had to flee the country when the situation took a turn for the worst. “this present administration in Akwa Ibom State has a perfect record of creating stability in security, bringing back  peace which was illusory in our community, bringing industries to our state and creating jobs for our people. These are remarkable ways of countering this unwholesome practice. Let me reiterate that Governor Udom Emmanuel deserves a pat on the back for bringing us back to the path of peace, the light of peace and security. Last year I was in this village and I slept here for four good months and I did not hide or sleep in the bush, I did not hide in the hotels as was always the case before I left the country out of fear, out of threat to my life, and out of insecurity. Today, there is total peace in our state, and insecurity is no longer in place. After Governor Emmanuel ‘s administration, I hope and pray that this peace will continue.” Itauma maintained.

A team of Eket Legislative Council members led by its leader, Hon. Samuel Ekpo with his deputy, Hon. Victor Itauma Ekpuk, pledged to support the organization to cater for more children. The organization used the occasion to bestow awards to individuals it deemed “Most child-friendly persons of the year” such as Mr. Christian Akposionu of Zenith Bank, Eket; Mr. Phil Barth of California; Iwaad/Obong Umanah Umanah –  MD, Prudential Guards Limited, Onna; Mrs. Emem Harry Effiong, Eket and Bishop  Samuel Sunday Udoh, Onna.