A N400 million multipurpose building for less privileged kids, has been completed in Calabar by the Spiritual Leader of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu.
Victoria Imowo, International President of the Universal Women’s Fellowship, who disclosed this development to journalists in Calabar, Cross River State, said that the project has been named the Mother Elizabeth Esu Olumba Obu Redeemed Children Home.
She came clear that the construction followed the formal recognition of the home by UNICEF and the Cross River State Government in 2015, and further explained that the need for the project arose to help collect 380 of these children and put them together in a much more conducive environment with a 400 bed space.
She also described the home as a humanitarian edifice, symbol of hope for the vulnerable and a place of refuge for children and the destitute. “Before now, we occupied a one-storey building with few rooms on Ambo Street, Calabar South, but it was grossly inadequate for the ever increasing number of less privileged children and staff. Following constant visits and commendations from the state Ministry of Social & Welfare Development as well as from UNICEF, we had to pull our resources together and with robust support from our Father, a philanthropist par excellence, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, we acquired eight plots of land where we have now built this 400-bed multipurpose edifice which has eight spacious and fully furnished hostels”, she said.
According to her, “the multimillion-naira project is the biggest residential home in Nigeria built for children who are orphans, destitute and vulnerable children and is equipped with modern facilities like a chapel, well equipped children’s library, an ultra-modern kitchen, state of the art laundry facilities, children’s playground, and handlers’ lodge.”
Also speaking, spokesman of the organisation, Amah Williams, stated that, “the building of the magnificent structure to accommodate the children and staff of the home was activated by His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu. It bears eloquent testimony to his commitment to practically demonstrate the ideals of love, compassion and charity that he preaches daily.”
“The evolution of The Holy Mother Elizabeth Obu’s Care Home could be traced back to the cradle of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star at No. 8 Eton Street, Calabar. Nobody that visited Brotherhood premises that time left without being taken care of. During the Nigerian Civil War, many people took refuge at our 26 Mbukpa Chapel which was about the only safe place. The refugees were taken in and ate to their fill.”
“Children whose parents were killed in the war found succour and warmth in the Home. Throughout the post-war period, many more children were abandoned in the premises of our organization. This was how the idea for this ultra modern Home was nurtured which today has blossomed”.
He informed that the welfare home is not limited to Nigerians and will soon be replicated in other states of Nigeria and other countries.
The project is situated on eight plots of land in Enang Ahe community, Parliamentary Extension, Calabar. Work started in 2013 and was completed in 2023.
