…Racks in millions
The Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jnr, hosted a Thanksgiving event during which he launched a church building as well as a foundation in honour of his late elder brother, David Agabi, who, he noted, nurtured him from the earliest stage of his life.
The ceremony which took place in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, drew high profile political figures such as the State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who, as Chairman of the occasion, also ably represented his boss, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State.
The Deputy Governor in a remark, emphasized the need to devote one’s life to God and humanity which, the celebrant represents.
Rt. Hon. Peter Odey noted that as a member of the Assemblies of God himself, he knows the many blessings that flow from the act of giving onto God. He admonished all political leaders to emulate the fine qualities of the celebrant who became the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, even as a first term member due to his loyalty and humility to the political order. He donated N5, 000,000 to the church building and foundation.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem disclosed that the Deputy Speaker is a giver and a support system to any good cause, hence, the need to honour his invitation to his event. The Honourable Speaker encouraged everyone present to donate generously to ensure that the twin projects are completed. On behalf of the Honourable Members of the 10th Assembly, he contributed N500,000 for the church building and N1,000,000 to the foundation.
In the same vein, the Senior Special Adviser On Administration In The Office Of The Wife Of The Governor, Dr. Comfort Oko, represented the First Lady, Rev. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Edet Otu, she noted that the First Lady is a preacher, a lover of God and humanity and she will ensure that the progress of the church building is monitored until completion. On behalf of the First Lady of Cross River State, she donated N1,000,000 and a personal contribution of N100,000.
The immediate past Chief of Staff to former Governor Ben Ayade, Hon. Martin Orim, urged political office holders to be humble while in office so as to be fully integrated back at the end of their tenures in office. Hon. Orim gave N1,000,000 and a further pledge to provide a car for the Reverend in charge of the church in the near future.
The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Mike Odere, made a donation to the church of N1,000,000 amidst many other donations from other dignitaries and commissioners present.
Furthermore, a former Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, made a donation of a N100,000.
In an interactive session with the media, the initiator of the event and Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries who turned out for the event in spite of their very crowded schedules, adding that he received generous donations from Senator Stephen Adi Odey, Hon. Cyril Omini James, Evang. Michael Asuquo and Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar respectively.
He revealed the series of events that led to his emergence as a member of the State House of Assembly and the many political battles he had fought and won. He praised Hon. Martin Orim for nurturing him but seriously regretted the early demise of his elder brother, in whose honour the foundation is earmarked.
Hon. Sylvester Agabi expressed confidence in the present system and admonished politicians not to destroy the party platforms under which they lost elections.
He donated N5,000,000 to the foundation and pledged to carry it to its most logical conclusion.
By Akpala Beatrice
