Hon. George Oben-Etchi Unveil’s Faith O’ben-Etchi Foundation, Empowers 300 Widows
By Christiana Ushang
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Ntufam Rt. Hon. Deacon George O’ben-Etchi, Ph.D, has unveiled the Faith Oben-Etchi Foundation, a humanitarian initiative established in memory of his late wife, Faith Nkoyo O’ben-Etchi. The foundation aims to continue her legacy of compassion, service, and empowerment, with a focus on improving the lives of widows, children, and other vulnerable groups.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Prof. Eyo Ita House in Calabar and attracted family members, friends, government officials, associates, and beneficiaries who gathered to celebrate the life and values of the late Faith Oben-Etchi a woman remembered for her generosity and commitment to humanity.
Speaking during the event, Hon. O’ben-Etchi expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who attended, noting that the foundation was conceived to sustain his wife’s dream of helping the less privileged. He revealed that the idea for the foundation originated during the COVID-19 lockdown period, when his wife actively provided food and relief materials to widows and street children affected by economic hardship.
According to him, the foundation will operate under five key focus areas: empowerment of widows, support for street children, educational funding, care for the aged, and general empowerment initiatives.
However , the Chairman stressed that the foundation is entirely self-funded, with all empowerment funds sourced from personal and voluntary contributions. He disclosed that over 300 women are beneficiaries of the current empowerment phase, with a total of ₦30 million raised for disbursement based on individual needs and existing ventures.
While delivering a goodwill message, the Director General of the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA), Mr. Great Ogban Usetu, described the late Faith O’ben-Etchi as “a woman of enterprise and compassion who found joy in making other women smile.” He urged beneficiaries to use the financial support wisely to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, shared touching memories of his friendship with Hon. O’ben-Etchi and his late wife. He commended the family’s resilience and pledged continued support for the foundation, describing it as “a sustainable initiative that will outlive a one-time donations.”
In his goodwill message, the Director General of the State Electrification Agency, Mr. Francis Ekpo, announced a personal donation of ₦1 million to the foundation. He commended Dr. O’ben-Etchi for his strength and compassion, saying, “Hon
George, you are a strong man for being both a father and a mother at the same time.”
Dignitaries also present at the event were, Hon. Eric Anderson (Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President), Dr. Gloria Effiong, CRS Accountant General, Prince Edwin Okon, Ph.D, Executive Chairman, Cross River Internal Revenue Service, Hon. Charles Atu, DG Due Process, Ewo Abasi Okon (Special Adviser on Budget), Dr. Maurice Nkong (SSA and DG, Code 888), Hon. Sylvester Nsa, Mr. Otu Otu, SA Budget, Mrs. Bassey Onoyom, Permanent Secretary, CRS Forestry Commission, Ms. Magdalene Ekpe (Leader, Akamkpa Legislative Council), Mr. Ntui (SSA on Environment), Mr. Joseph Ishagi (APC Organizing Secretary), Mrs. Onen Thelma Ebokpo, Wife of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Eld. Roger Emori, Director, Administration, CRS Forestry Commission, and representatives of the Timber Dealers Association, among others.
Guest commennded Hon. George for keeping his late wife’s vision alive and urged beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity to improve their livelihoods.
With a heart of gratitude, beneficiaries expressed their deepest appreciation and pledge to put the money given them to good use.
The Faith O’ben-Etchi Foundation stands today as a symbol of compassion, resilience, and hope — a lasting tribute to a woman whose selfless service and love for humanity continue to inspire positive change across Cross River State and beyond.
