The President of Akwa Ibom Women Association (AIWA), Houston Chapter, U.S., has inaugurated a 7.5 kilowatts Solar Power System at the Child’s Right and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
The association President, Mrs. Mercy Odungide, while inaugurating the project at Ikot Afaha in Eket Local Government Area on Monday, June 9, 2025, said the children would no longer witness power outages during their academic work in the centre.
She said the project would bring joy, hope and blessings to the inhabitants of the facility to the Glory of God and upliftment of their well-being.
She charged the staff of the CRARN to use the project judiciously and guide against vandalism in the area.
“Take ownership of the project and guide against any act of vandalism in the area,” she said.
Odungide said the association had inaugurated projects across the state, adding that the solar power system in Eket, was to crown it all.
“I want to thank the association, Houston chapter, for standing strong, together and firm, it wouldn’t be possible for us to give light, hope and future to the children,” she said.
In his remarks, Mr. Sam Itauma, the President/Chief Executive Officer of CRARN, said that the project would illuminate a future for the children.
“A future where hope shines brighter, where possibilities are limitless and where the children of the centre would live and learn in dignity,” he said.
Itauma also said the project would take a monumental step towards sustainability.
“No longer will these children sit in darkness when the sunset. No longer will their education be disrupted by power outages. No longer will their daily lives be dictated by the instability of conventional energy sources.
“This is not just an energy project; it is empowerment. It is a freedom. It is a promise that these children deserve the same opportunity as every other child in this state, in this country, and beyond,” Itauma said.
He expressed appreciation to the AIWA, Houston chapter, U.S. for their unwavering commitment to humanity, saying that the association’s compassion has translated into action.
“Because of you, the children of the CRARN will wake up each day with the power to dream, to learn and to thrive,” Itauma said.
The wife of Eket Council Chairman, Mrs. Maryann Tommey, commended the ingenuity of the association for their kind gesture and unwavering commitment to installed solar power system at the CRARN centre in Eket.
She said the association’s action has proven their love for their immediate community in spite of their geographical location.
Tommey represented by the Vice Chairman of the Council, Mrs. Inyang Akpawan, said the AIWA has given hope of a brighter future to the children at the CRARN centre.
“Today will be a day of remembrance as children of this community will never forget what you have done for them,” she said.
Tommey thanked the association for bringing light to the community, adding that light would bright the centre and brings progress to the area.
“When there is light, there is innovation. When there is light good things come in. When there is light you see the people very happy,” she said.
She said that the association has invested to give light to the children, adding that God would increase their pockets and take care of their own children too.
Tommey encouraged the AIWA to attract more development projects to Eket Local Government Area as the it remains very peaceful for investment opportunities.
By Sunday Bassey