* Floats Empowerment Scheme For Orphans, Vulnerable Children
By Time Nigeria
Winner of Face of Culture Africa 2018/2019, Queen Ekemini Eddy Udoessien, has concluded plans to launch her pet project termed “SHOW ME LOVE”; which is also a trending slogan used to appeal to the well-to-do Nigerians when the less privileged seeks for aid.
Speaking with journalists over the weekend, the Abuja-based Akwa Ibom-born Dakkada ambassador hinted that her emergence as Face of Culture Africa was inspired by the Dakkada philosophy of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Queen Ekemini, a vulnerable and only child of a divorced mother, who grew up under severe hardship and is a native of Obo-Etok in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state, said she had to borrow money to buy her form for the contest. The Queen was warmly received by Her Local Government Chairman Rt.Hon. Eric Effiong Akpan, who was pleased that a daughter of the soul could be so courageous to make the state proud by winning such a prestigious position without any support but holding on to her faith in God. He promise to preach the gospel of love by supporting the initiative and encouraged other Akwa Ibom sons and daughters to go out there and make the State proud.
The Face of Culture Africa said her decision to embark on the project is to convey a message to that vulnerable child in the street not to lose hope but focus and rise to the faith of her greatness, resources, beyond what others see, human and intellectual, because with God all things are possible. “SHOW ME LOVE” is a cry of every Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Akwa Ibom State for aid and support so that they also can be able to actualise their destiny and not to be the dejected and rejected of our society. She charged orphans and vulnerable children to hold fast the confession of their hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful, and thanked the Governor for the message of Dakkada.
Describing Akwa Ibom as a destination and the heart of rich Culture and tourism in Nigeria, hence her choice of the state for her project. She said the project, which commences in October, aims at mentoring and creating sustainable empowerment for orphans and vulnerable children in the areas of health, school reintegration, talent hunt, and skill acquisition and empowerment, across the three senatorial districts of the state.
She disclosed that free malaria and HIV tests would be conducted on participants, school materials and fees given to students, talents would be discovered in the areas of dancing, singing and acting. The winners would be linked with promoters to assist them explore and harness their talents, as well as train participants with necessary skills that will help them survive in any economic situation.
Queen Ekemini had her secondary education at Federal Government Girls College, Ikot Obio Itong in Mkpat Enin, and holds B.Sc in Human Anatomy from the University of Port Harcourt.
She is also a certified project manager and has starred in both Nigerian and Ghanaian movies
The empowerment scheme, according to her manager, Mr Samuel Thomas Ukpong, is in conjunction with her Management outfit Cultural Innovation Precision (CIP), and is open for sponsorship/partnership.
The manager Mr Samuel added that the Queen is not only an embodiment of the governor’s Dakkada Philosophy but she is an epitome of hope and inspiration to every youth out there. He further emphasised that the project is to promote the Culture of love in the state,” Love is best expressed in our giving, for the best way God Himself could prove His love for mankind was to give His only begotten son as a sacrifice of love”. Thus Akwa Ibomites should start showing more love to one another despite our differences and to support the “Show me Love” initiative.