…present cash, food items
By Onwa Ekor
In a show of solidarity and compassion, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River governor, Edem Darlington, alongside the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Friday, paid a heartfelt visit to an ailing journalist and Correspondent of Ibom Nation Newspapers, Enya Enya Ndem, at his Effiong Asi residence, Edimotop in Calabar Municipality.
The visit, which was both emotional and symbolic, was aimed at identifying with the journalist who is currently facing serious health and living challenges.
Moved by his condition, Darlington, a former classmate of Ndem, presented ₦50,000 in cash alongside essential food items including yams, garri and bags of rice to support his immediate needs.
Expressing concern over the needs of the journalist, The Deputy Chief Press Secretary accompanied by some aides of the governor, observed that the host’s current residence was not habitable, hence efforts would be made to relocate him to a more suitable place.
The Governor’s aide who recalled their days in school with the likes of other notable journalists in the state including Late Albert Andinam, Late Increase Abasi, Mary Akpet, among others, said, “we just feel that we should be there for each other, so you are never forgotten.”
Darlington charged Ndem to remain strong and prayerful as God has a way of repositioning his creatures at his appointed time.
Contributing, Chairman, Cross River Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Archibong Bassey, applauded the Governor’s aide for his magnanimity, enjoining members of the Union to emulate the gesture which represents a true demonstration of empathy, leadership and professional brotherhood.
“We felt it was important to come here personally to see you and let you know that you are not alone. As colleagues and brothers in the profession, we must always look out for one another,” she said.
Responding, Ndem expressed deep appreciation to Darlington and the team of journalists for remembering him in his moment of need.
Ndem who at this point became emotional said, “I feel very grateful from the bottom of my heart. I didn’t expect all of you to climb this place just to see me.”
He also spoke about the difficult terrain leading to his residence, describing the area as “the Golf of Effiong Asi,” after considering the challenging path visitors must navigate before getting to his home.
He further thanked the Deputy Chief Press Secretary and his entourage including members of the NUJ, for their generosity and prayed for God’s blessings upon all for standing by him in his time of need.
The visit ended on a hopeful note as colleagues reassured Ndem of continued support and collective efforts to improve his welfare and living condition.
