By Rismadarvoice, 7 November 2025.
A wave of excitement swept through Afaha Ibesikpo Community in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as the air echoed with songs of gratitude and joy.
The occasion was historic, the official commissioning of Rotary Club of Uyo Shelter Afrique Star Project, a transformative initiative that has redefined community service and empowerment in the area.
Leading the ceremony was The Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair, Holger Knaack, accompanied by his spouse, Susanne Knaack whose presence symbolized Rotary’s global spirit of service and enduring commitment to creating lasting change across communities.
The project, which delivered 28 newly constructed market stalls at Afaha Market, now stands as a beacon of hope for traders who, for years, operated in unsafe and unhygienic conditions.
“This project reflects the true essence of Rotary, service that uplifts communities and transforms lives,” remarked Holger Knaack as he cut the ceremonial ribbon, flanked by Rotary Foundation Trustee Member PDG Ijeoma Okoro, District Governor Kelechi Anyanwu, District Governor Funkeakpo Ken Batife, and other distinguished Rotarians.
Initiated under the leadership of President Rtn. Patricia Essien-Obot, the Shelter Afrique Star Project embodies the Rotary ideal of “Doing Good in the World.”
For President Essien-Obot, the project represents more than physical infrastructure, it is a statement of compassion and empowerment, providing 28 families with a dignified and sustainable means of livelihood.
Rotary Foundation Trustee Member, PDG Ijeoma Okoro commended the Club for its strategic approach to sustainable development, just as the District Governor, Kelechi Anyanwu (D9142) lauded the initiative for addressing both immediate and long-term community needs.
The event took a remarkable turn when the Executive Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government, Hon. Edidiong Inyang, visibly moved by the project’s impact, formally joined Rotary, alongside two other serving local government leaders, commending Rotary’s steadfast presence and partnership in the local government.
The Rotary Club of Uyo Shelter Afrique also executed two complementary community service initiatives, a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project, which included the donation of eight waste bins to promote cleaner surroundings, and a Disease Prevention and Treatment project implemented in partnership with Rotaract E-Club of Ibom Cosmopolitan, featuring the donation of eight hand-washing facilities to encourage proper hygiene practices.
