The wife of the state governor, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, has been honoured by the Rotary Club of Uyo with a Gold Service Award for providing shelter to indigent widows across the state.

Presenting the award recently at the multipurpose hall of the Governor's Office Annex to Mrs. Akpabio, the 27th president of the Rotary Club of Uyo, Rotarian Ubong Daniel Obot, said the award on Mrs. Akpabio was a mark of recognition for her outstanding performances of providing shelter to indigent widows in the state. Mrs. Akpabio was represented on the occasion by the wife of Uyo Local Government chairman, Mrs. Mfon Chris Nyong. Mrs. Akpabio commended Rotary Club for the award, saying that her vision for the society was in line with that of Rotary Club of Uyo for recognizing ideals, and enjoined Akwa Ibom people to always lend a helping hand to the needy.

She lauded Rotary Club's effort in providing blood banks in hospitals and its active role in the eradication of polio. Others honoured were, Obong Effiong Abia, the secretary, Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC), for his outstanding contributions to humanity Obong Effiong Abia commended Rotary Club of Uyo for recognizing hard work, averring that the award would spur him to do more. Obong Abia also stated that he will partner Rotary Club of Uyo in the establishment of burns centre at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital to take care of burns victims in the state.

The managing director of Josi International was also honoured for his outstanding contributions to the growth of humanity. Others were honorary Rotarians, Mr. John Harry, Mrs. Eunice Thomas, the commissioners for environment and women affairs, respectively, the head of civil service, Elder Grace Anwana, Apostle Okuyak Uwah, Professor Etim Essien, Chief James Oduok Ene and Ekom Monday Udoh. Six people were inducted into the club as Rotarians, namely Miss Victoria Ekong, Mr. Mfon Abraham, Mr. John Harry, Miss Grace Etuk, Mr. John Urua and Mr. Godswill Ubani.