By Faith Edem
Wife of Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoawang Otu says the current administration is state is instentsyfying efforts aimed at ensuring quality and affordable health care is accessible across the state.
The first lady stated this when she flagged off the 7th of edition of her free health Care services in Calabar for the Southern Senatorial District of the state.
She described the free medical outreach powered by her pet project; Humanity Without Borders” as part of deliberate efforts aimed at boosting access to quality healthcare services by the underprivileged who can’t afford medical bills.
She disclosed the initiative has delivered vital health services—including surgeries, eye care, and general consultations—to underserved populations across all 18 local government areas since she came on board vowing to veraciously pursue the concept to expand accessibility.
The event also featured the launch of the Mma–Adiaha Cares Health Insurance Scheme, and a one-day orientation and sensitisation meeting with wives of local government chairmen and women’s groups on the ongoing Measles and Rubella Vaccination (MRV) campaign in the state.
Bishop Otu stated that the outreach—organized in partnership with Faith Care Outreach International (USA) and the Cross River State Ministry of Health—has already recorded significant achievements:
Over 2,138 residents have received eye care services
807 dental care procedures performed
898 laboratory investigations conducted
More than 7,000 general medical consultations offered
15,000+ total beneficiaries reached across the state
She emphasized that the outreach, which includes free major and minor surgeries, is part of her Humanity Without Borders Initiative—a programme committed to ensuring that even the most vulnerable receive access to quality healthcare.
“The testimonies and transformations we’ve seen are heartwarming,” Otu said. “Many of the beneficiaries had given up hope due to financial hardship, and their stories inspire us to continue expanding this initiative.”
The event drew widespread commendation from healthcare stakeholders and development partners. Prof. Peter Schnatz, Team Lead and CEO of Faith Care International, praised the First Lady’s leadership and compassion, noting that his organization has worked in Nigeria for over 33 years, delivering free medical services in various parts of the world.
“We are here to share the love of Christ through healing, and to bring hope to the vulnerable,” Schnatz stated.
Also speaking, Dr. Henry Ayuk, Commissioner for Health; Sir Godwin Iyala, Director General of the State Health Insurance Agency; and Dr. Vivian Mesembe, DG of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for a programme that has restored dignity and health to so many who would otherwise be left behind.
In recognition of her efforts, the First Lady was formally decorated as the Brand Ambassador of the Cross River State Health Scheme—a symbolic honor celebrating her impact in improving health outcomes across the state.