Foundation sets aside N100m to improve living condition of widows, youths in Cross River

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Henss Charity Foundation, says it has
set aside N100 million to improve the living condition of widows, youths and other vulnerable groups in Cross River.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the foundation, Mr Okoho Etim, disclosed this in Calabar on Friday at the official commencement
of activities of the NGO.

Etim said that the earmarked fund would be used to execute various schemes, orphanage support programmes, widows support
programmes, as well as youth support scheme.

He added that the foundation is planning to build a self improving skill acquisition centre for the people.

He pointed out that the group decided to reach out to the motherless babies home at Uwanse as its inaugural event, saying that
“subsequently, we are going to put every orphanage in the state under our support programme.

“We have collected data and still gathering more to ensure that both private and government-owned homes are captured.

“Data collated will enable us understand the areas they need support and how we can also be of help to them.

“We already have N100 million to be spread for the programmes; we will be executing in the next 10 years.”

He expressed hope of attracting partners around the world, but added that the foundation planned to
work with the Cross River Government and well-meaning organisations.

“We want to help the poor, young people and the widows. We want to support anyone who can’t stand on
their own so as to empower them to make meaningful contribution to the society.

“Young people for instance, will have a self improving centre where they can learn skills and get some form of start up
funds to begin whatever we have taught them.

“Our radio station will enlighten and expose our esteemed listeners to a whole new world of possibilities in business,
entrepreneurship and so on, by giving them information they need to succeed, as well as break even in any sphere of life,” he said.

The NGO’s Director of Programmes, Ms Mina Obeten, said the group’s operations would be strategic and specific.

She added that the group had done a lot of research, so it was certain about areas intervention would be most needed.

“We are different from the regular foundations, this is purely humanitarian, and we intend to reach every orphanage in Cross River and even beyond.