COMMISSIONER FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS DR. HELEN ISAMOH CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY WITH VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND COLLEAGUES

As a staunch believer in the gospel of Christ and practicing Christian, and in line with the Universal Option for the poor and vulnerable in a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs Mrs Helen Isamoh Egodo, Ph.D, rolled her sleeves and started her birthday celebration yesterday at the Motherless Babies Home, Ekponsa Abasi, Uwanse, Calabar, in a special visit to show love, share cake, and present food items alongside with educational materials to the children. This is in accordance with the Christian tradition which reminds us of the powerful and sobering story of the Last Judgement in Matthew 25: 31- 46, and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

Dr Mrs Helen Isamoh Egodo who is well known for her kindness and compassion could not have felt any better celebrating her birthday without directing her efforts towards relieving the plight of children living in poverty and showing genuine concerns for the vulnerable ones who need special attention, love and care from loved ones, and especially, political leaders; one gesture that has endeared Dr Helen Isamoh to many Cross Riverians and earned her the appellation: \”the Face of Humanity\”.

In a special moment of appreciation and encouragement, the State Director of Social Welfare Mrs Komomo Oberten commended the Honourable Commissioner for choosing to continue her humanitarian services even on her special day. Mrs Oberten described the Commissioner as \”the youngest with a difference\” in the Season of Sweetness even as she encouraged her to tell her friends and colleagues that there is a home for children.

In her solemn remarks, the Honourable Commissioner thanked God for His grace and favour in her life, and added: \”Our presence here is to express our love that these children are our children and we owe them a responsibility to continuously take care of them.I could not have taken a cup of water or a plate of rice on a day like this without thinking about these children and whether they have eaten. That is why we come here to share this joy together\”.

Dr Helen Egodo\’s remarks demonstrated her faith in God and strengthened her position as the \”Face of Humanity\”. It answered the reigning Pope Francis\’ call to Christians to always embrace charity and show love to the needy when the Roman Pontiff declared: \”where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters; what matters is rolling up our sleeves and putting our faith into practice through a direct involvement, one that cannot be delegated\”. With this special birthday visit to these vulnerable children, there is no doubt that our amiable Honourable Commissioner has shown courage towards alleviating poverty through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

The brief occasion which was graced by friends of Helen, her beloved husband Sr Mfah Egodo, the Commissioner 3 of CRS Planning Commission Dr (Mrs) Mary Julius Egbai, and the Officer-in-charge of the Home Mrs Ekanem Archibong also witnessed a special prayer session by the children for the Honourable Commissioner, cutting of birthday cake, and sharing of beverages to the elated children.

May God continue to bless and keep her for many more years as we join the host of angels to wish her a very happy birthday celebration!