By Mary Emmanuel
UYO-The Apostolic Church, Uyo Field Project and Welfare Committee, has supported 21 vulnerable members with a cash donation of N50,000 each, as part of efforts to alleviate hardship and empower beneficiaries to improve their livelihoods.
The gesture was announced during the recently concluded Ikot Akpabio Major Convention in Nsit Atai Local Government Area, where the committee also donated five sewing machines to selected congregants.
The initiative was led by the vice chairman of the committee, Professor Glory Edet, who donated sewing machines, alongside the secretary of the committee, Hon. Iniobong Obot.
Edet who represented the chairman of the committee, Elder Mark Esset, said the committee was established by the Uyo Field Superintendent to encourage members and provide support in areas such as education, healthcare, welfare, and economic empowerment.
According to her, the committee’s intervention includes Church development projects, providing scholarships to students, offering financial and medical assistance to members, and promoting initiatives that would enhance their overall well-being.
She explained that the 21 beneficiaries were carefully selected through the welfare committees in the 21 districts that make up the major centre.
“The Uyo Field Project Committee worked closely with the various district welfare committees to ensure that the right persons were selected for the intervention,” she said.
Edet also promised to single-handed sponsor the medical surgery of one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Eno Akpan, as part of her personal commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of members.
She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the financial assistance, advising them to invest the money in productive ventures where possible.
She assured members that the committee was working hard to expand its intervention programmes and touch more lives in the near future.
Edet commended the Uyo Field Superintendent, Apostle Etim Duke, for initiating the vision, describing the welfare programme as a channel of blessing and a means of restoring hope to members facing difficult circumstances.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Eno Akpan appreciated the committee and the donors for the unexpected support.
Akpan, who said she was overwhelmed by the gesture, prayed for God’s blessings upon the donors and asked Him to sustain the welfare initiative for the benefit of more members of the church.