In line with the provision of the ARISE Agenda on rural development, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno,PhD, has reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating the development of rural communities in the State.
This commitment was reiterated by the Governor on Wednesday during the commissioning of a Model Primary School in Okopedi, Okobo Local Government Area.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, the Governor stressed the determination of his administration to extend development to rural communities, particularly focusing on the education of young residents.
“We have a beautiful edifice standing here. If you recall, this place used to be our campaign grounds. Thank God for the stakeholders who agreed this school should be built by the government. Education, we all know, is the foundation for everything. Any nation without a good foundation cannot enjoy progress.
“When these young ones are properly educated, then they can compete favorably with their peers across the World. Therefore, this administration thought it wise to start from the foundation.
“This school is not just an edifice; it has been well equipped with computer labs and other necessary facilities to provide standard education. I want to appeal to the headmistress of the school to ensure that the pupils are properly taught so they can go out, compete, and win laurels.” He emphasized.
On her part, the Deputy Governor highlighted the Governor’s commitment to skills acquisition and encouraged the Principal to promote crafts among the pupils, assuring that the government would provide support for such initiatives.
She also urged the Local Government Chairman to ensure the school is adequately secured to prevent vandalism.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman, Okobo Local Government Council, Engr. George Henshaw, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the establishment of the model primary school, noting that in just two years of his administration, Governor Umo Eno has made significant impacts in the State.
He pledged that Okobo people would remain steadfast in their support for the Governor in appreciation of his positive leadership.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, in presenting the project overview, commended the Governor’s foresight and exemplary leadership in repositioning the State’s education system.
He emphasized that the well- fenced school was constructed with standard laboratories, including a computer laboratory, a sickbay and solar power.
A highlight of the event was a thank-you speech delivered by the pupils of the school.
Goodwill messages were delivered by various dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Ubuo Ubuo and the Member Representing Okobo State Constituency, Hon. Pius Bassey.
