ITU
The Nka Ikemesit Iban Oku Iboku, Uyo Branch has rewarded outstanding students in two secondary schools in Oku Iboku Clan, Itu Local Government Area, with educational materials in a bid to promote academic excellence and encourage hard work among young learners.
The educational support initiative was led by the patron of the association and former secretary to the Akwa Ibom State government, Obonganwan Grace Ekong, who alongside members of the association, presented school bags and other learning materials to students who emerged first, second and third in their respective classes from Junior Secondary One (JSS1) to Senior Secondary Two (SS2).
The gesture was extended to students of African Church Secondary Commercial School, Oku Iboku, and Community Secondary School, Oku Iboku, during their end-of-term closing ceremonies.
The principal, African Church Secondary Commercial School, Mrs. Inemesit David, who appreciated the association for the gesture, described the visit as a rare demonstration of love for education and a strong source of motivation for both the beneficiaries and the entire student population, noting that the recognition would inspire greater commitment to academic excellence among the students.
Presenting the items,the patron,Ekong stated that the association is made of distinguished women of Oku Iboku extraction residing in Uyo, established to foster peace, unity, love and development among women of the clan.
She explained that beyond promoting unity, the association has continued to empower women through vocational training in tailoring, hairdressing, soap and detergent production, baking and other entrepreneurial skills, while also operating a cooperative society to support members economically.
According to her, the decision to recognise outstanding students was aimed at encouraging academic excellence and motivating young people to remain focused on their education and become responsible leaders in the future.
Ekong reminded the students that African Church Secondary Commercial School has produced many distinguished sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom , including some past and present members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and other accomplished professionals.
She, therefore ,challenged the students to remain disciplined and committed to their studies so that they too could attain greatness and contribute meaningfully to society.
Also speaking, the secretary of the association, Deaconess M. O. Antia, urged students who were not among the beneficiaries not to be discouraged but to see the awards as a challenge to work harder and qualify for future recognition.
One of the highlights of the event came from former Transition Chairman of Itu Local Government Area and Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Mobilisation, Uyo Senatorial District, Deaconess Elsie Esara, who commended the academic performance of the award recipients and encouraged them to remain focused despite life’s distractions, particularly the female students.
Impressed by the exceptional performance of one of the students, Faithful Asuquo, who was specially recommended by the school principal, Esara announced that she would facilitate the sponsorship of the student’s academic needs for the next school term through her son, a pilot, describing education as the greatest investment in the future of every child.
The event also attracted several prominent personalities, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Itu State Constituency , Mr Emmanuel Udang, an engineer and alumnus of
African Church Secondary Commercial School.
Sharing his personal success story, Udang recalled that his journey to becoming a professional engineer began in the school after an Introductory Technology teacher discovered and nurtured his talent.
He urged the students not to allow their present environment to limit their aspirations, assuring them that determination, discipline and hard work could take them to the highest levels of their chosen careers, while pledging his continued support for the growth of the school.
At Community Secondary School, Oku Iboku, the association presented similar educational materials to outstanding students in JSS1, JSS2 and SS1, where the delegation was warmly received by the Principal, Mrs. Ime Udo, who appreciated the association for complementing the government’s efforts in promoting quality education.
Among guests at the event was the ward personal assistant to the governor, Deacon Richard Antia, who encouraged the students to remain diligent in their studies and drew inspiration from successful professionals of Itu extraction, including an Ibom Air pilot from Oku Iboku.
He also appreciated the Governor Umo Eno for approving the conversion of Community Secondary School from a private institution to a public school and commended former Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Dr. Bassey Okon, for facilitating the approval.
Also speaking, the Deputy Leader of the Itu Legislative Council and an alumnus of Community Secondary School, Hon. Samuel Inyang, applauded Nka Ikemesit Iban Oku Iboku, Uyo Branch for investing in education and recognising academic excellence within the community.
Inyang proud of his alma mater, commended the remarkable improvement in the school and announced, in line with the encouragement of his principal, the chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Ubong Nkutt,to support educational advancement, a special cash reward for the overall best-performing student in the school.
The visits to the two schools ended with presentations of educational materials, words of encouragement and renewed calls on students to embrace diligence, discipline and academic excellence as pathways to personal success and community development.