May 21, (THEWILL) – The traditional ruler of Adiabo Okurikang Community in Odukpani, Cross River State, has decried the large scale neglect of the community by the state government.
Leader of the community and member of the Etuboms Council in the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, HRH Etubom Ekong Esu Efa, made his feeling known when a non-governmental organisation, the Aids Tuberculosis and Malaria Network in the state paid him an advocacy visit.
The visit by the team was aimed at expanding access to the Primary Healthcare Centre in the community.
Speaking during the visit, the traditional ruler said the community is being cheated in terms of amenities.
He said the community is completely bereft of any government presence and the people have over the years been abandoned to their fate.
He, however, expressed optimism that with the advent of a new administration in the state come May 29, the fortunes of Adiabo Okurikang will change for good.
In his words, “We are being cheated by government and when you go there, there is no electricity and water.
“The community has not felt the impact of government over the years and basically has nothing.
“However, it is not an outsider’s problem but our own and with the new look of things the dimension will hopefully change.
“We are optimistic a lot of things will be done in the community from May 29 and we hope to educate to know how they can make better use of the PHC facility”, he said.
He promised to clear obstacle that impedes the smooth functioning of the PHC facility in the community.
Earlier, Pastor Effiong Udobong, the state ATM coordinator, said the project is aimed at making communities take ownership of PHC facilities to prevent stealing and vandalisation.
He said everyone around PHC facilities are stakeholders in them and the little things they do for the facility is critical.
He added that they hope to encourage across the state to take care of these facilities the way they care for town halls and churches.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
