It was a rapturous moment at the correctional service Custodial Center in Calabar, as the Commissioner for Finance in Cross River State, Hon.Michael Odere accompanied by his friends, family members and members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) assembled the inmates to commemorate the 65th birthday of HE Sen.Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State.
Upon his arrival, the inmates showcased affectionateness and inordinate delight towards the Commissioner who seems to be a friend to them, having been a regular visitor to the center.
In a welcome address to the Commissioner and his entourage, the Major of the Calabar Custodial Center, Vitalis Ugochi extolled Hon. Odere for his invaluable contributions to the welfare of inmates and his tireless passion for rendering humanitarian services, while he prayed for God’s blessings upon the life of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey EDET Otu and the family of the commissioner.
The entertaining moment spent with the inmates witnessed them compete in football play, dancing, and the thug of war competition which all earned them humongous cash prizes from the Honourable commissioner.
Addressing the Inmates, the Commissioner first of all thanked the Officers of the Correctional Center for the continuous cooperation they have maintained with him and also for granting him the opportunity to celebrate the 65th birthday of Excellency with his friends who in one way or the other have been confined in the center to receive nuance. he preached love, unity and good moral conduct as fundamental fo living a peaceful and good life while admonishing the inmates to be of their best behavior as they shall some day be set free to go back to society for the betterment of their lives and families.
He further extended the goodwill message of the Governor to the inmates while announcing the inmates granted pardon by the Governor to include,
1. Mr. Lawrence Ebusa
2. Mr. Clement Bassey Thompson
3. Mr. Anthony Joseph Akpan
4. Mr. Effiong Bassey
The Honourable Commissioner in his magnanimity presented food, clothing’s, toiletries and cash gifts to the inmates , while a birthday cake was cut to grace the significant event that commemorates the 65th birthday of the Governor.
The celebration had the presence of officers of the Correctional Service, The Head of The Sir August Agbor Odere Foundation ( SAAOF); MR. Franklin Odere, The State Chairman of NYCN HY Comr. Emmanuel Olayi and his council members, Alhaji Muyi ladoja, Hon. Ewa Henshaw, friends and family members of the Honourable commissioner.
