PICTORIAL TOUR TO ITAM IN THE ITU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF AKWA IBOM STATE.
Shot from Samsung - One of the aged women's houses
Good day, Steemians. Recall, about two (2) weeks ago, I updated my tour to Ibiono Ibom Local in Akwa Ibom State. I am always excited about going to new environments, and as such, I do take photos of what captivates my sight much.
In any environment you go to, what you see most sold by the roadside of the place is what predominantly what they are known for in terms of occupation and career. This doesn't relate to white-collar jobs, but to the resources coming out from the community.
In the church
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RELIGIOUSITY
The Itam people, like any other Africans, are notoriously religious communities. 98% are Christians, while African Traditional Religion (ATR) and others share the remaining 2%. They are rich in culture and communal living. The day I went, they were not on any cultural display to have had a shot, but there was a church programme where I had the opportunity to pray with them in the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria. In the church, I was sitting. The congregation noticed there was nobody to play the piano, and I made myself available to spice up the praise and worship moment with my skills.
 Items sold by the roadside |  |
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 |  The old woman gave me this |
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AGRICULTURE
The day I went there happened to be a market they jointly sold in a nearby community, which I did not have in my plans to go to. But going through some streets, I saw bunches of plantain and smoked fish which were displayed on the roadside (both left and right) for sale.
Firewood was not left out in their business line. I was told that I will not see much because they have taken their farm produce to the market. Farming is their main occupation.
DEVELOPMENT
The community in recent times has experienced development in many areas, especially electricity, which they are subscribed to for 18 to 22 hours of light without much payment.
WHERE GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO MORE
BAD ROAD
This community is along the Federal road but for over 30 years have suffered so much. Itam links Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State. This is the where goods in big lorries and heavy duty vans pass through. It is common to see trucks falling with goods wasted on the road and accidents that sometimes may claim lives.
 Bad road and parked Trucks with goods |  |
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WATER PROBLEM
Walking around the community I noticed that they do not have a water borehole, as their source of water is far from the heart of the community. A journey of 1 hour can keep you on the road for over 6 hours plus. This is a road you can't, without being covered with dust during dry season and stock in mud if it's raining.
DEPLORABLE STATE OF LIVING
I saw what used to be a house which even an animal may not be allowed to live in occupied by aged people whose children or husbands maybe are no more or whose families are not able to build a good house to live in. There was no street I entered without such houses. One of those houses touched my heart, and I have been thinking for hours about raising support to at least roof a single room for one aged woman of over 70 years who is managing. There's an uncompleted building of which only the roof remains, but the old woman is still living in a mud house standing there under the mercy of the rain and storm. I guess, that house will not survive next year's rainy season.
 Going to see her house |  |
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 Here used to be her parlour |  |
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Another Widow's house
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I had limited time to have toured around the community; I will go there again to see what I can do to help one of the aged and abandoned women. If I have a a few persons joining to put a roof on the woman's head, I promise, your penny will give life again to her. Since I came back i found it difficult to sleep. I know that the woman maybe battling with cold and serious mosquitoes bite. I pray that God will help her every aged woman and Widow.
Plan for your life and your parents now
FreshGrace
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