By Sylvia Akpan
The Nsidung community of Calabar, in Cross River State says it is seeking for funds for the comprehensive renovation of its primary and secondary as well as a Health center.
The President Mbono Iban Nsidung, Obonganwan Barbara Ayimo Offiong Etim James disclosed this to CrossRiverWatch at her residence last weekend during a surprise birthday celebration by the ‘Iban Nsidung,’ where she also pointed out that she is empowering some 54 people in the community.
Popularly referred to as Henshaw Town, Nsidung lies along the Calabar Channel. It was the heartbeat of old Calabar with business fronts from pre and post independence still surviving amidst narrow roads and neglected public facilities and utilities.
“What we did last year was to do a comprehensive need assessment of our community which was documented. The total cost includes infrastructure in our school, secondary school, primary school and health center for our women. The total cost came to about NGN 250 million,” she said.
“We are trying to get support from other sources; the Government, Senators, members of the House of Representatives and other ministries to impact our community and meet the needs of the community,” she added.
Explaining her decision to empower 54 people from the community, she averred that; “This is just a token towards meeting a very few of those needs and to encourage others”.
30 Primary School pupils were given NGN 30,000 each for the First School Leaving Certificate Examination fees; 12 women received NGN 50,000 each to improve their businesses while 12 Secondary School Students received NGN30,000 to pay the registration fees for their Senior School Certificate Examinations.
On the development of the community, Obongawan Barbara who charged Nsidung women to be aware of their assets, sued for unity and development amongst themselves so that when investors come in, they come in to meet a society and community that is self assured and knows what they want and how they want to progress.
Explaining the reason for the surprise celebration, the publicity secretary of Mbono Iban Nsidung, Ruth Ekeng Effanga, said it was in appreciation of the Obongawan’s contributions to the Nsidung community.
“If you have been following our activities, you will know that we have been in the news. Our Etubom Obio was jailed for no tangible reason and women took to the street with her support. She led women in a protest for the release of our Etubom Obio, Etubom Efioita Okon and he was released.
“What you saw today was women coming together to say this woman is always doing a lot for us, let us go back and say thank you,” Ruth said.
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