The Supervisor for Education in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Mrs. Lily Victor Edikpo, has donated school supplies to pupils of Government Primary School, Iwuokpom Opolom, of the council area.
The items included: Brand-new uniforms for all pupils, Socks and sandals, exercise books, pens, and pencils, Traditional attires for cultural events, Five cartons of chalk .
In an interaction with newsmen on Wednesday in Ibeno, Edikpo revealed that the gesture was in fulfilment of the promise she made when she visited the school in celebration of her birthday on March 7, 2015.
She said she was moved by the sight of all the pupils without proper school uniforms, many of whom were either barefooted or wearing worn out slippers adding that in her determination to change the narrative, she promptly arranged for a tailor to take measurements for 30 children for uniforms, which were delivered in time for the Children’s Day celebration on May 27.
Her words, “It was a promise fulfilled to me because they appeared all beautiful and neat. To God be the glory,”
Responding, the school’s headmistress, Princess Mercy Akpakip, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the staff and pupils. She praised the commitment of both Hon. Edikpo and the Executive Chairman of Ibeno LGA, Hon. Mrs. Glory Ekah Effiong, who facilitated the ongoing renovation of the school buildings.
“We had been praying for improvements, now, with the help of the Chairman and the Education Supervisor, we have a new classroom with a proper roof that allows us to learn even during the rain.” Akpakip stated
Ward 4 Councillor Hon. James Ibiat also commended the initiative and assured the pupils of continued government support. He encouraged the students to take advantage of the improved learning environment and take their studies seriously.
NUT Chairman, Mr. Ipak Uyere, expressed amazement at the unprecedented gesture, stating: “I’ve never seen anything like this in Ibeno. It is indeed a new dawn for education in our community.”
As the children showcased their marching skills in “their new uniforms during the Children’s Day parade, the joy and excitement on their faces marked a turning point for the school and the wider community.
“This initiative by Hon. Lily Victor Edikpo stands as a shining example of compassionate leadership and serves as a call to action for more investments in grassroots education across Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large.” He said.
Accompanying the Supervisor on the visit were key education stakeholders, including: Hon. James Ibiat, Councillor for Ward 4, Mr. Ipak Uyere, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ibeno, Mr. Uno Bassey, NUT Secretary and Deputy Head of the school, Mr. John Effiong, Chairman of ASUSS and a teacher at Secondary Grammar School, Ibeno.
