By: Our Reporter, Calabar
The wife of Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, has empowered 30 street cleaners with (POS( machine’s and cash grants in recognition of their efforts to keep Calabar clean.
The initiative, organized in collaboration with the Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative (HUWIB) and the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA), honored 500 street maintainers, formerly called “sweepers” at a “Meet and Greet” event in Calabar.
Bishop Otu praised the workers for their dedication, stating, “through rain and sunshine, you clean our streets so we can wake up to a beautiful city. Without you, Calabar would not be the clean and orderly place we enjoy.”
Each of the 30 beneficiaries received a POS machines, 20 from FCMB and 10 from Zenith Bank along with ₦10,000 startup cash, bags of rice, and wrappers.
The First Lady emphasized sustainability, urging recipients to leverage the machines for financial independence.
In a surprise gesture, the event also featured a Toyota Corolla gifted to Mikki Odionka, a former Nigerian Idol contestant from Cross River. “You are my hero, my idol, my ambassador,” Otu told him.
Elder Effiong Ayi, CUDA’s Executive Secretary, hailed the initiative as a morale booster, while Zenith Bank’s Calabar Zonal Manager, Mrs. Ekanem Asuquo, described it as a “rebirth” for beneficiaries.
Recipients, including Gloria Esien Oku, expressed gratitude, calling it the first such recognition in their careers.
The event reinforced the message that “everybody’s role is relevant,” as the First Lady reaffirmed the state’s commitment to rewarding hard work.
