Big Brother visits Imoke

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Housemates from the highly addictive and entertaining Big Brother 4 Revolution (BB4) reality show paid a courtesy call to the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Obioma Liyel- Imoke at Government House, Calabar recently.

They were led by the urbane winner of the show, Kevin Pam Chuwang. Kevin was in town to introduce his humanitarian project ‘Naija pikin’ to the First lady.

‘Naija Pikin’ is a child friendly initiative primarily concerned, with reaching out to kids in post conflict areas. Jos, Plateau State where Kevin hails, was what inspired him to start this initiative. In recent times his “beloved home town” has been engulfed in series of religious conflicts which has left a trail of carnage and heartbreak, particularly amongst women and children. “It is not the people who die that feel the pain but the people who live to see these things. In my opinion, 20 years ago, things were a lot different. Kids grew up as kids without holding any grudges. But these days, youths are involved in various conflicts which are unnecessary. Why do we allow them to grow up that way?”

Naija pikin is also involved in the roll back malaria campaign particularly as it affects the Nigerian child. “We want to give out as many free mosquito nets as possible and advocate for free treatment for all children in Nigeria,” Kevin says. Speaking at the event, the wife of the Governor expressed excitement at Big Brother being involved in such a noble cause. “I am huge fan of big brother, but I was disillusioned at the level of immorality I watched in the previous episode, which I felt did not uphold our African values. I felt it should have been enlightening as well as enhance our values as Africans to the world; however after hearing this I will definitely be watching the Big Brother Reality Show again.” Imoke also drew comparisons between ‘Naija pikin’ and her own initiatives which were also child friendly. A State fit for a Child, (ASFAC) Imoke said, is about ensuring that Cross River State is a State fit for every child.

Recently ASFAC birthed the Destiny’s Child Centre, (DCC) a shelter that rehabilitates street children. Over 80 children have been rehabilitated so far. “Every child is a legitimate child of God and no child is a mistake. A child cannot take care of itself and so it becomes the responsibility of Government to take care of them.”

Kevin incidentally, took part in the DCC charity fashion show last year, organized to raise funds for the upkeep of the children.

Imoke further reminded the BB 4 housemates that Cross River State was home to the popular Carnival Calabar, tagged ‘Africa’s Biggest Street Party,’ and invited them to explore the many delights of Calabar, which included many tourist sites as well as excellent cuisine.