…approves new secondary school in Idung Offiong
The Commissioning of a School Project in Eket Local Government Area on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 took an emotional turn, when Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno approved the request of a young boy by immediately announcing the employment of his mother as a teacher in the State.
The boy, a pupil of the new Model Primary School at Idung Offiong in Eket, was the lead vocalist in the song performance by the students to welcome the Governor, and his sterling performance was enough to catch the attention of the Governor who beckoned to him and interviewed him on what he desired.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd at Idung Offiong, Governor Eno said, “I always tell people that God has a way of arranging your life, so sometimes you don’t need to struggle.
“That little boy came prepared, he whispered to my ears and said, “Your Excellency, my mother has NCE, and she has no job to take care of us, so please give my mother a job”. And I said, Where do you live? Do you know your mother’s name? He wrote them.
”I asked of her phone number, he wrote two.
“I seldom do this, but there’s no way I won’t accede to this boy’s request. So I’m calling on the Head of the Civil Service, the Commissioner for
Education and the Chairman of SUBEB, to please come.
”Please, I will hand over this name to you. I beg you in the name of God, give this woman a job in the next one week let that small boy feel proud”, the Governor directed.
He commended the teachers for their excellent work on the children of the school, and recounted that he himself had passed through public primary schools.
Governor Eno also announced a new secondary school in the community, in response to the request by Hon. Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“We’ll try and see how we can create a secondary school around there. It will just be an extension since they already have land.
“I know that all over this state, in the 31 LGAs, we’re building 31 model primary schools, we’re constructing 31 modern health centres, and we will continue opening up roads, rural roads, market roads and farm roads.
Promising to do more to encourage those in the rural areas, Governor Eno said he was impressed with the results he is getting, adding that, “we will continue to work for our people, we’ll continue to make all of the necessary sacrifices to ensure that our children will grow up in an environment that is conducive and they can compete with any child in this country.”
Welcoming the Governor, the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Mr Akaniyene Tommy expressed deep appreciation to the Governor, noting that the project has brought visible transformation to the grassroots.
“We are in Idung Offiong, Ward 5, Central Eket LGA.The people of Eket are so happy with you. I want to say a very big thank you.
“You care so much about the grassroots and the people of this village are so grateful to you for remembering them.
“On behalf of the Eket LGA, we say congratulations to you on your second anniversary in office and thank you, Your Excellency,” he said.
Speaking, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Anietie Etuk appreciated the Governor for his unwavering support towards educational development in the state.
He emphasized the administration’s efforts at strengthening the foundational education system and commended the timely completion of the model school project.
Hon. Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Elder Paul Bassey, Commissioner for Sports both prominent sons of Eket, described the Governor as a “son of the soil.”
They noted that the emotional performance by the pupils captured the genuine love and admiration the people of Eket have for the Governor. “From the presentation of the children, their expression shows the heart of an Eket man which means that we genuinely love you, our Governor, and we will stand by you.”
Hon. Archibong further commended the state government for situating the school in a rural community, thereby extending development to underserved areas.
“This project will benefit not only the immediate environment but also neighbouring communities that even the next generation will reap from this investment in education,” he noted.
While applauding the Governor’s commitment to rural development, Hon. Archibong also made a passionate appeal for the establishment of a secondary school to complement the newly commissioned primary school. “Let this dream not die here. The children are brilliant. If possible, Your Excellency, consider a secondary school so they can continue their education without relocating to urban areas,” he added, drawing applause from the crowd.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Nsidibe Akata, who represents the area in the State House of Assembly, praised the Governor’s remarkable performance across the state, highlighting the administration’s growing reputation both locally and internationally.
“You have surpassed the expectations of the people. Your leadership has stood out among your contemporaries. Wherever you go, that will be our direction. Thank you for all you’ve done, and may God continue to bless you,” he remarked.
