Gov. Otu Commissions Odukpani Emergency Response Centre

Emmanuel Alfred 

The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, on Wednesday, 6th September,2023, commissioned the Leo District 404 A2 NIGERIA Accident and Emergency Response Centre in Akim Qua Community, Odukpani, Cross River State.

The Leo Club whose objective is to provide young people with the opportunity to develop and contribute individually or collectively to the growth and development of their local, national and international communities saw the need for an Accident and Emergency Response Centre in Odukpani to serve as the first point of call for the treatment of accident victims before being moved to the Teaching or General Hospital in Calabar.

The Leo Club’s Programme Chairperson, Lion Uwana Akpan JP, NLCF, noted that due to the absence of an Emergency Response Centre between Calabar and the Odukpani junction, lives have often been lost while being moved from an accident scene to Calabar.
Therefore, in line with the Club’s mandate, they deemed it fit to build the Centre and also provide potable water to reduce the incidence of loss of lives in the area.

In his address, the Governor, represented by his Deputy, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, said the project is a very laudable and timely one because more road crashes occur during the Yuletide period.

According to him, “even if it is one life that this Emergency Response Centre will save, it will be enough”. He informed the Leo Club that their request for electricity and an ambulance for the centre has been approved and assured them of government’s continuous support in all their activities.

The Governor called on the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, to provide the manpower needed for the facility to function, while also charging the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, to provide security to safeguard the facility.

He then appreciated the Community for donating the land for the construction of the facility and prayed God’s blessings on them.

In his speech, the Chief Medical Director (CMD)of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme A. Ikpeme acknowledged the gesture of the Leo Club and pledged the UCTH’s commitment to provide manpower for the facility.

He called on the Akim Qua Community to own the project and ensure that it is protected and used appropriately.

The Leo District President, Leo Esther Ededem Esua, said the project is an example of what the Lions Club is doing all over the world as service to humanity. She appreciated all who supported and donated towards the project, especially the community for donating the land at no cost.

Represented at the event were the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Obong’s Council. The Clan Head of the Akim Qua Community expressed sincere appreciation to the Leo Club.

Highlights of the event were: the decoration of Rt. Hon. Peter Odey with the Leo District Pin and the official handing over of the Accident and Emergency Response Centre to the CMD of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.