By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
The governor of Cross River State, Sen.Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has commissioned the Accident and Emergency Response Centre constructed and donated by Leo District 404 A2 NIGERIA in Akim Qua Community, Odukpani, Cross River State.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described the project as a very laudable and timely one because road accidents occur during the Yuletide period along the axis.
According to him, “even if it is one life that this Emergency Response Centre will save, it will be enough”.
He told the Leo Club that their request for electricity and an ambulance for the centre had already been approved and assured them of government’s continuous support in all their activities.
Otu called on the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, to provide the manpower needed for the facility to function effectively.
He called on the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, to provide security so as to safeguard the facility.
The governor however appreciated the community for donating the land for the construction of the facility and prayed for God’s blessings on them.
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme acknowledged the gesture of the Leo Club and pledged UCTH’s commitment to provide medical personnel for the facility..
He called on the Akim Qua community to see the project as theirs and ensure that it is protected and used appropriately.
Earlier, Leo District President, Leo Esther Ededem Esua, said the project is an example of what the Lions Club is doing all over the world as service to humanity.
She appreciated all who supported and donated towards the project, especially the community for donating the land at no cost.
“The Leo Club whose objective is to provide young people with the opportunity to develop and contribute individually or collectively to the growth and development of their local, national and international communities saw the need for an Accident and Emergency Response Centre in Odukpani to serve as the first point of call for the treatment of accident victims before being moved to the Teaching or General Hospital in Calabar.”
“The Leo Club’s Programme chairperson, Lion Uwana Akpan JP, NLCF, noted that due to the absence of an Emergency Response Centre between Calabar and the Odukpani junction, lives have often been lost while being moved from an accident scene to Calabar”.
“As a result, in line with the Club’s mandate, we deemed it fit to build the Centre and also provide potable water to reduce the incidence of loss of lives in the area.”
