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By Akpan David, Calabar
A 400-bed hostel capacity and an orphanage, called ‘Mother Elizabeth Redeemed Children Home’, has been commissioned in Calabar.
The Home is equipped with standard library for children, medical unit, worship hall, kitchen, laundry, playground, several rooms, qualified caregivers and teachers.
The UNICEF and Cross River State Ministry of humanitarian and social development made several assessment visits and formally gave their recognitions and supports to the home since 2015.
It took ten years to complete the construction and fixtures before it was formally commissioned yesterday.
The home is built by a faith-based women group, called Universal Women Fellowship, an arm of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star.
President of the group, Matriarch Victoria Imowo said presently they have 380 children, ages between 1 to 12, someone them non-Nigerians who are benefiting from welfare supports and trainings from the home.
According to her, they expended over N400 million to take the 2-storey edifice with several units to the present stage, adding that they still needed more money for them to accomplish the aesthetics.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the law maker representing the Calabar Municipality/Odukpani federal constituency, Ekpenyong Akiba commended the initiators of the gigantic project, adding that it is a very ambitious and extremely good since it is humanitarian and what pleases God.
He said he will interface with the owners to see how to consolidate on the efforts to boost more welfare initiatives to take children away from the streets.
Clan head of Qua community where the home situates, Ntoe Paul Asim Ita expressed deep appreciation for the project, saying it will attract more. He pledged community supports and donated to support it.
Spiritual leader of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu who commissioned the hope, built in memory of his mother who actually started it, said future national leaders and experts will come out of the home.
