Father of the Quadruplets, Mr. John Obikang Ashang (2nd from right), the Team Leader, Deaconess Auwundua Richard Efa (3rd right), Mother of the Quadruplets (1st left) and others.
By Anietie Akpan
The Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Mrs. Eyoawan Otu, has fulfilled her promise to provide further support to the parents of quadruplet children in Ikong Village of Obudu local government area of the state.
Mr and Mrs. John Obikang Ashang, the couple, were promised decent accommodation in Obudu town, away from the Ikong village where they were living, as well as a livelihood, such as a provision store, from which they could earn daily income.
The Governor’s Wife sent a delegation to Obudu to ensure that a decent accommodation was secured and furnished for the quadruplet parents and that the provision store was rented and stocked with items that would become income earners for the family.
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady,at weekend, her Team Leader, Deaconess Auwundua Richard Efa, said that the Governor’s Wife had committed to ensuring affordable basic welfare for the quadruplets and their parents, hence the visit.
She regretted that one of the quadruplets had died before good care and attention came to the family and that was one reason why the Governor’s Wife relocated the family to an area where health care is easily accessible.
She further explained that Rev Otu wants to avoid a situation were the surviving quadruplets would be seen as a hindrance or burden to the parents.
Their new residential apartment away from the village would bring them closer to basic social amenities like potable water, electricity, a good hospital, and markets, as the babies are too tender to stay in an environment that doesn’t guarantee coverage in case of emergency.
The First Lady advised the parents to make judicious use of all the supplies and their business for the family, especially for the welfare of the surviving children but warned them to avoid the risk of managing any health issue at home at any time.
In a remark, the father of the quadruplets, Mr Ashang, thanked the First Lady and promised not to undermine her good intentions towards his family.
He fervently prayed for the Governor of the state, his Wife, and the team that came to deliver the message.
He acknowledged the Governor’s good works across the state and his special interest in the less privileged.
Ashang disclosed that they have decided to name the only male child among the babies after the state Governor, and the child is called “Sweet Prince Bassey Edet Otu.”
The accommodation in Obudu town is a two-bedroom, furnished, and handed over to them for use. A mini-shop is also paid for and stocked for the family, among other welfare items extended by the first lady.