In a stirring celebration of courage, compassion, and humanitarian legacy, the Mary Slessor–Akan Glo Foundation (MASLAG) on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, convened with multiple-birth parents and their children from the 31 LGAs of Akwa Ibom State at Ibom Hall, Uyo for the empowerment of multiple birth parents and the posthumous birth anniversary of Mary Mitchell Slessor, the fearless Scottish Missionary whose devotion to protecting vulnerable children forever changed history and continues to inspire generations.
Addressing the excited gathering, Dr. Glory Edet, an Associate Professor and Founder of MASLAG paid glowing tribute to Mary Slessor’s humanitarian spirit, her fight for social justice, and her decisive role in dismantling the ancient practice of killing twins and other multiple birth children as well as the banishment of their mothers.
Dr. Edet described Slessor’s life as “a shining example of courage, empathy, advocacy, and compassion.”
She also honored her late father, Chief Okon Akankpo, a Patron of MASLAG, acknowledging his unwavering support, mentorship, and belief in the Foundation’s vision as well as her late grandfather who lived with Mary Slessor as a boy.
Highlighting MASLAG’s impact over the years, Dr. Edet listed several achievements, including:
🟢Construction and furnishing of Mary Slessor’s Chapel at Use Ikot Oku, handed over to the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.
🟢Empowerment of 200 youths with tomato seedlings, hybrid plantain suckers, and nursery establishment training.
🟢Payment of school fees for 140 indigent students and full scholarships for 12 others.
🟢Financial support of ₦30,000 each for over 400 widows across Akwa Ibom to start small businesses.
🟢Distribution of food and non-food items to over 2,000 widows.
🟢Sensitization campaigns on multiple-birth rights and various cash and material support initiatives for multiple-birth families.
“Today, we are empowering beneficiaries trained in different skills with sewing machines and accessories for fashion designers, ovens for caterers, and dryers for hairdressers to help them start their businesses,” she added.
Dr. Edet, former Dean of Commissioners and Special Advisers in Akwa Ibom State urged participants to embrace compassion-driven service and become bold, kind agents of positive change within their communities.
Also speaking, the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Offiong Offor, applauded the founder’s commitment and encouraged beneficiaries to value and not misuse life-changing opportunities.
In her welcome remarks, MASLAG Coordinator, Mrs. Jane Essien, explained that the programme was designed to honor Mary Slessor, not only for ending the killing of twins but also for her broad humanitarian impact on widows, the less privileged, and people in distress. She reaffirmed the Foundation’s readiness to partner with individuals and institutions to expand its life-touching interventions.
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Akwa Synod appreciated God for the Foundation and thanked God for the life of Mary Mitchell Slessor’s humanitarian services. He prayed God to continue to bless Dr. Glory Edet to continue to touch lives. The Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs , Lady Emem Ibanga who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Enobong Akpan as well as the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare who was also represented at the event commended the Foundation for their life-touching programmes and promise their support.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by: Rev. Itoro John, representing the Moderator of Abasi Ibom Synod of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, the President of Wives of Paramount Rulers, Dr. Ekaette Ebong, President, Uyo Senatorial District Women’s Forum, Obonganwan Lucy Udo, representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Women’s Forum, Pastor Samuel Edem, Apostolic Church Nigeria, Etim Okon Usanga District, the Presidents of both Akwa Synod and Abasi Ibom Synod Women’s of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Obonganwan Mary Umana, representing Esop Mbong Iban, Eket Senatorial District and several others who lauded the compassionate heart of Dr. Edet and celebrated MASLAG’s humanitarian footprint.
The event featured a song presentation by twins and other multiple-birth students in tertiary institutions, cultural display, and a keynote address by Professor Enobasi Urua on the theme “Balancing Work and Child Care.”
The highpoint of the celebration was the empowerment of trained multiple-birth parents in different skills with sewing machines, hair dryers, ovens, etc., and the distribution of gifts to all multiple birth parents.
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