by crossriverwatch admin
The Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Edak Iwuchukwu has advised Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) not to allow their present state of being make them develop negative self-esteem.
She made the call during a one day distribution of educational and nutritional materials put together by God’s Manifestation Orphan and Widows Organization (GMOWO) in Calabar recently.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Ministry’s Director, Mrs. Ifumi Njar said, “Just because today you’re an orphan doesn’t mean your future is bleak or out of place. Your future is in your own hands; if you work hard enough to secure a brighter future that you’ll get but if you are a lazy man remember there’s no food for a lazy man, hard work truely pays.
“Many great men and women today were once like you, some of us were able to scale through because of positive hard work, nothing good comes easy.”
Mrs. Iwuchukwu advised the children to make good use of the materials given to them and should be of good conduct.
“These items given to you are not for fun but to help you, read your books, be obedient and most of all have the fear of God in you because that is the beginning of wisdom,” She said.
Likewise, the Director, Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development, Mr. Isaac Ebuara, represented by Mrs. Elizabeth Egbolo lauded the effort of GMOWO’s administrators for the care and support they are giving the children as if there were their own biological children. He added that only God will reward them for their kind gesture.
He however urged the children not to allow themselves to be fooled by human traffickers promising a better future.
Earlier, the Executive Director, God’s Manifestation Orphans and Widows Organization, Ambassador Sunday Joshua said “the organization is poised to providing care and support for the OVC and widows including those living with HIV/AIDS. We have 95 registered widows and 137 Orphans and Vulnerable Children who are presently living with our care givers, social workers, good neighbors, some widows and some in partner churches.”
He commended the effort of the Commissioners for Social Welfare and Community Development, Barrister Inyang Patricia Endeley and Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Edak Iwuchukwu in supporting his organization in its chosen task of caring and supporting the needy.
Also speaking, the Deputy Coordinator, Cross River Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS, Mrs. Grace Ejor encouraged people who are HIV positive not to think it’s the end of the world.
“Yes HIV/AIDS is real and it’s a killer disease but you’re the one to decide if it should kill you or not, some people got it by their own cause while others didn’t but thanks be to God for the Anti Retroviral Drugs that when taken as directed you’ll live normal life”.
She also beckoned those who are not HIV positive to show love, care and support to those who are positive.
The relief materials given that were donated included, Note Books, Text Books (from Primary 1-6, Junior Secondary School 1-3 and Senior Secondary School 1-3), Oxford Mini English Dictionaries, Mathematical Sets, School Bags, Pencils, Biros, Rice and Beans.
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