Ayade extols wife for choosing the path of service
Emmanuel Alfred
The Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Sen Prof Ben Ayade has eulogized his wife, Dr. Linda Ayade for choosing the path of service to mankind.
Ayade said this during the seventh anniversary of the Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF) and awards night held at the Peregrino Hall of the Governor’s Lodge in Calabar.
Ayade, who was the recipient of the Most Outstanding Humanitarian Award said, “I am proud of my dear wife for choosing the path of service as there is nothing greater than providing value to humanity.
“She could have done any other thing but she decided to provide succour to the less privileged in the society.
I want to thank her for choosing this path.”
In her opening remarks, Dr Linda Ayade said, “seven years of service has not been without its challenges but we thank all our sponsors for always contributing to the cause.
“What we are doing at MDF is funded completely by partners and not State fund because we want to create a Non-profit Organization that can be sustained even after I’m no longer in public office.
“This organization was birthed out of a desire to meet social needs. And every achievement puts on our toes by reminding us of the work that is on ground.We want to thank all our partners and donors for their contributions to the cause and we continue to solicit for more support as we deal with these issues in our society.”
Dr. Berta Edu, the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who was also a recipient of the award for the Most Outstanding Support described being part of the organization as a “learning curve for her” because she has gone on to achieve greatness and appreciate service.
She also said that Dr Ayade is an epitome of prudence, hardwork and accountability because “she has ensured that every fund gotten from partners is used to serve humanity.”
“What I also love about MDF is His Excellency, Sen Ayade has allowed the organization to grow organically which speaks of the sustainability and without a doubt will outlive his tenure.” Edu said
She then thanked the partners for their generous donations and pledged the sum of ten million Naira to the Foundation .
There were also awards for distinguished donors and staff of MDF for their meritorious service including LafargeAfrica, United Nations Population Fund(UNPF), Ben Akak Foundation , Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation and amongs others.
The Mediatrix Development Foundation was established by Dr Linda Ayade and in the last seven years has carried out a total of seven hundred and thirty-eight minor, major and super major surgical operations while seventeen thousand persons have received laboratory services, supply of drugs, eye and dental care all for free.
