Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt Hon. Peter Odey, on Sunday, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rev. Ben Ugbuji Foundation Civic Center in Nkporo-Ibil, Ogoja Local Government Area.
The project includes a sports center, community town hall, recreational park, library, and vocational center.
Representing the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Dr. Ojikpong praised the foundation for prioritizing support for rural dwellers, vulnerable populations, and nonprofits. He highlighted the foundation’s extensive efforts over the years, including empowering hundreds of women through entrepreneurship initiatives, awarding scholarships to deserving secondary school students, constructing solar-powered boreholes, building and furnishing a church for Living Faith Church in Ibil, and providing numerous humanitarian services in education, agriculture, social intervention, health, and sports development.
Dr. Ojikpong urged contractors and supervisors to adhere to global best practices in constructing the facilities and called on the community to support the foundation’s efforts. He also emphasized that the Cross River State government has created a conducive environment for development partners and encouraged other organizations to collaborate with the Reverend Ben Ugbuji Foundation and similar NGOs.
The Director of Projects for the Rev. Ben Ugbuji Foundation (RBUF), Mr. Modey Ugbuji noted that this initiative aligns with the foundation’s vision of positively impacting lives, expanding philanthropy, and supporting the less privileged. He stated that the completed facility will generate revenue for both the foundation and the community, improve literacy, and enhance the socioeconomic status of the people.
According to him, the event signifies a significant step towards transforming Ibil’s infrastructure and unlocking the potential of its youth. The foundation prioritizes the well-being of young people, and the effective use of the center is expected to reduce youth restiveness, enhance their skills, promote self-reliance, and contribute meaningfully to societal development.
Community youth leaders and village representatives expressed their appreciation for the foundation’s contributions since its inception. They highlighted the potential of the Reverend Ben Ugbuji Foundation Civic Center to extend its services to neighboring communities and local government areas, generating additional revenue for the host community and the foundation to extend her services to other areas and for the maintenance of the center. They pledged their support to the foundation, which includes donating 100 hectares of land.
The highpoint of the event was the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of the project’s initiation signpost by Dr. Chris Ojikpong, symbolizing the formal commencement of the project.
