By Alan Emmanuel (INN), Akwa Ibom
The Government of Akwa Ibom State observed this year’s edition of the International Leprosy Day by a humanitarian gesture involving visiting and giving gifts to leprosy victims in the State.
Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare of the state, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, alongside the Director for Rehabilitation paid a visit to the Leprosy Hospital on January 29, 2023.
The Commissioner who pledged total support from the State Government and the Ministry presented 10 elephant moulding sandals to beneficiaries to help ease of movement.
The commemoration, held at QIC Leprosy Hospital, Ekpene Obom, Etinan LGA had the theme: “Act Now and End Leprosy”.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Adiakpan commended the State Governor, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel for constructing the new drive road into the Leprosy Hospital, for restoring peace to Ekpene Obom and for making it possible for members of IDEA cluster to live and go about their business unmolested.
She also appreciated Akwa Ibom First lady, Dr. Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, for regularly overseeing the welfare of the inmates.
Earlier, Mrs Udom, in marking the World Leprosy Day, had donated moulded shoes and sandals along with prosthetic limbs to members of the association.
Dr. Adiakpan used the opportunity to remind them of their civic responsibility to the Nation, State and self at the forthcoming election and to ensure the succession agenda of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel and his wife.