The wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs Ekaete Unoma Akpabio, has appealed to parents and guardians to always accompany their children to school and church, as a way of creating a safe and secure environment for them.

Mrs Akpabio made the call on Sunday at the General Headquarters of Christ Faith Church, Utu Ikot Nkor, in Etim Ekpo local government area, as part of her senstization visit to churches in Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun, to campaign for the protection of the rights of the child.

Describing children as the greatest assets of any nation, she said when a child is protected, the future of a nation is also protected.

According to her, children cannot be expected to take full responsibility of their safety, hence, those looking after them, must keep a close watch on children, and those that come in contact with them, as some pepertrators of child abuse could either be family members or friends.

Mrs Akpabio reminded parents that just as it was important for them to make money, it was equally imperative to pay adequate attention to the welfare of their chidren, by spending quality time with their kids at home.

She expressed commitment to fight for the rights of children, in every nook and cranny of the State, as well as ensure that perpetrators of child abuse, including trafficking, labour and theft are made to face the full weight of the law.

As part of her contribution to the development of the church, the Governor’s wife donated two million naira to the Christ Faith Church.

The wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, who accompanied the first Lady, commended Governor Akpabio, for his holistic approach to the protection of children in Akwa Ibom State, by signing the Child Rights Law.

She called on parents to inculcate moral values in their children, so that they can become responsible citizens in their families and communities.

From the Christ Faith Church, Utu Ikot Nkor, Mrs Akpabio and her entourage went to Qua Iboe Church, Ikpe Attai also in Etim Ekpo, where she led the congregation in singing praises to God, after prayer were offered for the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the Governor and his wife, as well as for peace and stability in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.

For the members of the Church, 20th of July, 2014, would remain evergreen in their memory, as the visit by the First Lady, was the first of its kind.

The Church Secretary, Elder Okon Udo, while describing Mrs Ekaete Unoma Akpabio as a caring mother, appreciated her, especially for supporting the church with five hundred thousand naira.

The last port of call for the Governor’s wife was the Area Headquarters of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Ikot Akpan Nkuk in Ukanafun local government, where she donated one million naira for the completion of the church building project.

Apart from the cash donations, Mrs Akpabio also presented financial support and wrappers to women and widows, in all the churches she visited.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet and her counterpart in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, Dr. Glory Edet, were among government officials, who also accompanied the First Lady on the visit.