The First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has flagged off the sixth edition of her free medical outreach in Obudu, reaffirming her commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all. Speaking at the launch, she described the initiative as a mission of “health, healing, and hope,” especially for the most vulnerable communities.
Backed by Faith Care International, available statistics show that the outreach has so far served over 11,000 people across Akamkpa, Ikom, Ogoja, and Calabar Municipality. Interventions include 572 surgeries, 1,263 eye treatments, 603 dental procedures, 743 lab tests, and 7,942 general consultations.
Bishop Otu highlighted the spiritual impact of the program as well, noting many testimonies of salvation alongside physical healing.
“This is about more than numbers,” she said. “It’s about restoring dignity and reviving hope.”
The First Lady credited the support of her husband, Governor Bassey Otu, whose People First leadership she said continues to inspire people-centered governance across the state.
Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk described the initiative as one of the most impactful he has witnessed. He commended the First Lady’s leadership, praised the dedication of the health team, and announced a N5 million support fund from the Governor to aid logistics. He further noted that Obudu — though once considered remote — has now become central in the state’s healthcare agenda.
Obudu LGA Chairman, Hon. Peter Udiandeye, thanked the First Lady for what he called a “divinely inspired intervention” that has brought healing to the poor. He pledged continued support for the outreach and applauded the Governor’s people-oriented leadership.
Dr. Iyke Efeosinachi, Chief Medical Director of the Obudu-German Specialist Hospital, said the outreach revealed an urgent, previously overlooked burden of maternal health issues, especially vaginal prolapse cases. He praised the First Lady for choosing to invest in health—a gift, he said, more valuable than any material donation.
The Paramount Ruler of Obudu, His Royal Majesty Utsu Ukandi Felix Okudare, also offered his blessings, hailing the First Lady’s outreach as a divine assignment and a legacy that will continue to uplift lives in Obudu and beyond.
Ebi Collins, Beagle News
