By Sylvia Felix, Theresa Mba And Rosemary Nkereuwem
The Royal African Foundation in partnership with the Bridge Leadership Foundation, Uwanse Orphanage, Girls Power Initiative and Offiong Ikpeme Foundation kicked off its week long volunteer activities in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
The week long volunteering exercise is to commemorate the Royal African Foundation of his Imperial Majesty, the 51st Ooni of Ife, whose goal is to promote Africa in business, politics, culture, education as well as inspiring citizens to offer to humanity.
Speaking with CrossRiverWatch at a visit to Offiong Ikpeme Foundation, Calabar South Local Government Area, the State Coordinator of the foundation, Miss. Vivian Ubani noted that volunteerism is a call to service to all, and by all irrespective of race and endeavours.
Her words: “We believe volunteering is no respecter of age, geographic location, gender, educational background or financial status. Volunteerism is a unifying force that unites people together. It fosters a friendly atmosphere and grant you the opportunity to meet people. It also helps to break both local and international barriers as well as establish trust, and acquaintanceship. It also help to open endless doors of opportunities to people.”
She highlighted the itinerary as follows; “The seven days social media campaign which starts today and the physical campaign starts tomorrow where we will have one at Ekpo Abasi roundabout on drugs -Youths Against Drug Abuse.”
She added that, “On Wednesday we are going to have Youths Against Domestic Violence Campaign. In our project we have different groups; we have the environmental group, sanitation group, advocacy group and the mentorship group. The mentorship group are the ones here who will be at the Bridge Leadership Foundation, Unwanse Orphanage where they are going to mentor on clean and health to other young people.
“When it comes to the advocacy group, the advocacy group is going to be talking about Youths Against Drug Abuse as well as Youths Against Domestic Violence which is Tuesday and Wednesday, August 24 and 25 respectively. The environmental sanitation is taking place at Ekpo Abasi today and then tomorrow at Mayne Avenue and Wednesday is going to be at Marian,” she disclosed.