Baskadia

By ETTAH EMMANUEL O.

On January 1st, 2025, Hon. Agnes Atsu, the Commissioner for Sports Development in Cross River State, organized a heartwarming charity event that once again brought joy and hope to the most vulnerable members of society. This event, held at her residence in Obudu, Cross River State, was a gesture of kindness and inclusivity aimed at people living with disabilities and the elderly, both of whom are often overlooked by larger charitable initiatives.

Hon. Agnes Atsu, known for her compassion and commitment to community welfare, ensured that the event was not only meaningful but also memorable. The attendees, primarily people living with disabilities, were treated to a day filled with celebration and generosity. At the heart of the event was the distribution of essential items, including bags of rice, vegetable oil, wrappers, and envelopes containing ₦5000 each, all designed to provide immediate relief to the recipients. These items were selected to cater to the basic needs of the attendees, especially as they prepared to face the challenges of the new year.

The spirit of generosity didn’t stop with the people who could attend the gathering. In a touching show of care, rice was also distributed directly to elderly citizens in their homes across Obudu. This ensured that even those unable to make it to the event could still benefit from the support and attention of Hon. Atsu and her team. This inclusivity reinforced the sense of community and ensured that no one felt left out during the festivities.

The atmosphere at the event was one of joy and celebration. After a sumptuous meal, the attendees, including people living with disabilities, danced and celebrated together, showcasing the power of resilience and happiness even in the face of adversity. To further ensure that the families of those in attendance were also cared for, cooked food was packed and given to attendees to take home, ensuring that they could share the spirit of generosity with their loved ones.

This initiative, which has now become an annual tradition, reflects Hon. Agnes Atsu’s unwavering commitment to supporting marginalized groups. In fact, this 2025 charity event was part of an ongoing effort that began last year when she hosted the elderly in Obudu and Calabar, bringing together members from all 18 local government areas of Cross River State. These annual gatherings have now become highly anticipated by both the disabled and elderly populations, and the positive impact of this initiative continues to grow.

Hon. Atsu took a moment to express her deep gratitude to those who have consistently supported her charitable endeavors, without whom the success of these events would not have been possible. She thanked several distinguished individuals for their invaluable contributions:

1. HE Rt. Hon. Peter Odey

2. HE Dr. Paul Adalikwu

3. HE Dr. Linda Ayade

4. Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh

5. Hon. Boni Erase

6. Prof. Peter Oti

7. Mrs. Ekwele Agube, the Chairperson of the Planning Committee

8. Dr. Comfort Oko, a key figure in the planning and execution of the event

In her heartfelt message of appreciation, Hon. Agnes Atsu prayed for God's blessings on all those who have supported this important cause, acknowledging that their collective efforts are what have made the event a success.

Looking ahead, Hon. Agnes Atsu’s charity event is expected to grow even more in scope and impact, reaching even more families in need across the state. Her dedication to uplifting the disabled and elderly, two often marginalized groups, serves as a reminder of the power of empathy, solidarity, and community spirit.

The success of this initiative is a testament to the positive changes that can be achieved when leaders, like Hon. Agnes Atsu, use their position and influence to better the lives of the most vulnerable in society. This event has not only provided much-needed assistance but has also fostered a greater sense of unity and compassion within Cross River State.

In closing, Hon. Agnes Atsu expressed her firm belief that with continued support and collaboration, these charitable efforts will continue to transform lives, creating a more inclusive and caring society for all. May God bless all those involved in this noble cause, and may they continue to inspire others to contribute to building a better future for the less fortunate.