In the spirit of Christmas and celebrating the season of sweetness, Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu organized an unwinding get-together themed “2023 Season of Sweet Christmas for Senior Citizens,” in the State with an admonition that retirement is the beginning of a new chapter for more exploits.
Celebrating the senior citizens at the African Club, Calabar, the Governor’s Wife appreciated the services they have rendered during their active years in different sectors of the economy. “It is my pleasure to be in your midst. I see it as a rare privilege and a blessing, celebrating with this calibre of people who have given their best in service to our State and Country,” she added.
According to her, “we are in the season of sweetness for everyone, the children, youth and the elderly. It is an inclusive government and as long as there is life, we have every reason to celebrate and make merry.” Rev. Eyoanwan Otu avowed that it is the beginning of good things and better days are ahead.
Giving a charge to the senior citizens, Rev. Usang Iso in a brief sermon titled: “In Times of Christmas,” drawn from Isaiah 7:14, noted that in times of Christmas, God gives his people series of signs and visions for a better living. He stated that Jesus Christ came because of the love for mankind and reconciliation towards God, adding that the Governor’s Wife has demonstrated that love by organizing an occasion of such magnitude to celebrate with the senior citizens.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Coordinator of the event, Rev. Mrs. Grace Ekanem praised the Governor’s Wife for remembering the veterans and senior citizens during the Christmas season known for love and caring, inferring that the gesture shows her motherly love and humanitarian heart.
Rev. Ekanem described the occasion as a gathering of love at Christmas and an invitation by the Governor’s Wife to the senior citizens to come out of their houses and unwind, an indication that they also matter to the society even though they have retired, adding that the occasion is an avenue to thank God for being alive.
The celebration had variety shows comprising Christmas carol renditions, cultural display, a brief on the history of Christmas and lots more. Highpoints of the celebration was a dance with the First Lady, medical checks including dispensing of free medications to the senior citizens and a financial handshake from the Governor’s Wife to wish them a sweet Christmas celebration
By Esther Okoi
