Aged women, widows and other vulnerable residents of Ohong Village in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State have received food items and cash donations from Mr. Julius Akem, Protocol Officer to the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council.
The gesture was part of activities marking the 2026 Obudu New Yam Festival and took place on Tuesday at the Akem family compound in Ohong, his home community.
The beneficiaries, drawn from across the village, gathered for an afternoon of celebration, fellowship and community support as Akem distributed food items and cash to the women.
Speaking at the event, Akem thanked the beneficiaries for honouring his invitation and joining his family to celebrate the New Yam Festival.
He said the outreach was part of his commitment to giving back to his community, particularly by supporting vulnerable residents during festive periods and other occasions when assistance is most needed.
According to him, the initiative was not his first intervention in the community, as he had consistently looked for opportunities to support residents and put smiles on their faces.
Akem also said the gesture was his modest contribution towards complementing the welfare initiatives of his principal, the Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM.
He explained that supporting vulnerable members of the community was a way of complementing the Chairman’s social welfare efforts while appreciating his administration’s commitment to the wellbeing of the people of Obudu.
The outreach offered the beneficiaries an opportunity to celebrate the New Yam season in an atmosphere of unity and togetherness while receiving practical assistance amid prevailing economic challenges.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and wellbeing of residents across the council area.
Undiandeye particularly highlighted the importance of supporting elderly persons, widows and other vulnerable members of society.
He commended Akem for the initiative, describing it as consistent with the social welfare agenda of his administration.
The Chairman said although his administration was focused on infrastructure and other development projects, it also recognised the need for interventions that directly impact the lives of ordinary residents and provide assistance to those in need.
He urged other well-meaning individuals, public officials and community leaders to emulate the gesture by supporting vulnerable people in their communities and promoting compassion, unity and shared prosperity.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the donation, with the women spontaneously breaking into songs of thanksgiving and praise as they celebrated the support and the opportunity to come together during the festive season.
The event was witnessed by the Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Rhoda Ashong; Leader of the Obudu Legislative Assembly, Hon. Sam Ashibi; councillors and other appointees of the council.