June 12 (THEWILL) — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day with the commissioning of the newly reconstructed QIC Government Model School in Oku Clan, Uyo Local Government Area, describing the project as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible dividends of democracy through education.
The school, one of the oldest educational institutions in the state with a history spanning over a century, was completely rebuilt after years of infrastructural deterioration, transforming it into a modern learning facility equipped with contemporary educational amenities.
Represented by his Political Adviser, Dr Godwin Ntukudeh, at the commissioning ceremony on Friday, Governor Eno said the project reflects his administration’s resolve to invest in sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens.
Speaking on the significance of June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the governor stressed that democratic governance should be assessed by the quality of services and opportunities provided to the people.
“We have to deliver the dividends of democracy to demonstrate why the people entrusted us with their mandate”, he said.
As part of the event, the governor distributed school sandals, exercise books and school bags to pupils, while urging parents and guardians in Oku and neighbouring communities to take advantage of the improved facilities by enrolling their children in the school.
Providing details of the project, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh, said the institution, originally established about 112 years ago by the Qua Iboe Church, had suffered years of neglect before the intervention of the present administration.
According to him, the upgraded facility now features 19 classrooms, an Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE) section, television-equipped learning spaces, a library, an ICT laboratory, an assembly hall, a sick bay, sporting facilities and a security post.
He added that the project also includes a fully furnished three-bedroom residence for the Head Teacher and furnished two-bedroom quarters for teachers within the school premises.
The chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Anietie Etuk, described education as the most enduring investment any government can make and commended the governor for prioritising the sector.
Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, an alumnus of the school, said the intervention had restored the institution to its former status.
He disclosed that the council had engaged security personnel to protect the facility and would maintain the school’s surroundings.
The Head Teacher, Mrs Emem Bassey, described the project as a legacy intervention that would benefit generations of pupils, while the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Okon, represented by the Clan Head of Oku, Dr Aniefiok Okpon, thanked the state government for bringing the project to the community.
The event attracted members of the State Executive Council, political stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth and women groups, as well as pupils who entertained guests with songs and presentations celebrating the completion of the project.
