GROUP CELEBRATES OBIOMA IMOKE @ 50
SAN FRANCISCO, January 04, (THEWILL) - Friends of Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, wife of the Governor of Cross River State have organized a birthday party in Calabar, to commemorate her golden jubilee.
Born January 3, 1963, Mrs. Imoke who is currently in the United State of America with her husband, was honoured in a colourful birthday bash that was well attended by friends and well-wishers of the family in recognition of her laudable contributions to the development of the State.
Speaking on behalf of the friends, Mr. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, disclosed that the group decided to honour Obioma though in absentia, because she is a virtuous woman, a compendium of every good thing whose life has impacted positively on Cross Riverians in so many ways through her various pet projects.
He pointed out that in the last five years as the wife of the governor, Obioma has dedicated her life in joining her husband to take governance to those who need it most, as can be attested to by some of her lofty initiatives under the auspices of Partnership Opportunity for Women Economic Realization (POWER) to improve and protect lives of vulnerable women and children.
The State President, National Council of Women Society, Rev (Mrs.) Grace Ekanem, who also extolled Mrs. Imoke, said that her presence in the state has given the group its desired recognition that hitherto did not exist and placed her as the best Patron it has ever had.
Rev Ekanem maintained that just as her name implies, “Obioma, the full heart”, she is admirable, caring and understanding whose humanitarian works have brought life to many irrespective of their background her good virtues that attracted members of the society to join other well-wishers in celebrating the quintessential woman leader.
A Commissioner in the Local Government Service Commission, Pastor (Mrs.) Eno Oqua, who described her as a strong advocate of women and children rights which culminated in the early passage of Child Right Act in the state among other laudable initiatives, said they have attracted commendations and awards notable among which is Africa’s Most Impactful First Lady Award, Humanitarian Award for the year 2011 by the Safari Group and Munjeres Entre Mundos Award in recognition of her hospitality in hosting volunteers from Spain in 2011.
She described her has a woman with a golden heart and tendered, who does not believe that orphanages are the best places for abandoned children but picks them up and takes them to her home and nurtures them through a very transparent and organized legal system with the Ministry of Social Welfare at no cost to the beneficiaries.
She maintained that her care for teenage pregnant girls that have been rejected and thrown out of their homes,has been fostered and taken to safe haven known as the Refuge where they are catered for, counseled against vices, and are taught some skills to help.
On his part, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, who described her as “the Mother Theresa” of our time, said she has devoted her time and life for the upliftment and growth of the less privileged in the society and wished her more fruitful years of selfless services.
The pastor of Church of Church at Hephzibah, Pastor Mike Ahua, who commanded the blessing of God to the celebrant and her family, stated that Mrs. Obioma is an extraordinary person who is very sensitive to the plight of others and always seeking ways to improve and actualized their dreams.
While praying for more life of celebration, he added that the God fearing and caring mother, multi-task sated touching lives in so many ways and wished her more impact-able years at the higher level.