EKET (CONVERSEER) – The commissioning of a model primary school project at Idung Offiong in Eket Local Government Area on Wednesday, 28th May 2025, took an emotional turn when the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, offered an immediate job to a pupil’s mother following a touching request from the young boy.
The pupil, who was the lead vocalist during a welcome performance by students of the newly commissioned Model Primary School, caught the Governor’s attention with his vocal talent and confident presentation. Moved by the boy’s performance, Governor Eno invited him over and asked what he wished for.
In an emotional exchange, the boy whispered that his mother, who holds a National Certificate in Education (NCE), was unemployed and struggling to care for the family. The Governor, visibly touched, requested the boy’s details, including his mother’s name and contact information, which the child promptly wrote down.
Addressing the crowd, 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 me, ‘Your Excellency, my mother has NCE, and she has no job to take care of us, so please give my mother a job.’”
Directing his remarks to the Head of Civil Service, Commissioner for Education, and the Chairman of SUBEB, the Governor said, “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.”
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He commended the teachers for their excellent work and recalled his own upbringing in public schools, noting that foundational education remains a top priority for his administration.
In response to a request made by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong, Governor Eno also announced plans to establish a secondary school in the community.
“We will try and see how we can create a secondary school around here. It will just be an extension since they already have land,” he said, noting that the state is currently constructing 31 model primary schools and 31 modern health centres, in addition to rural and market roads.
Chairman of Eket LGA, Hon. Akaniyene Tommy, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the new school, calling it a “visible transformation” that underscores the Governor’s commitment to grassroots development. “The people of Eket are so happy with you. You care so much about the grassroots,” he stated.
Also speaking, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Anietie Etuk, lauded the Governor for his unwavering support for foundational education, saying the completion of the school reflects the state’s commitment to quality education delivery.
Hon. Archibong and Elder Paul Bassey, both Commissioners and indigenes of Eket, described Governor Eno as a “son of the soil,” highlighting the heartfelt performance by the students as a reflection of the people’s deep affection for him.
“The children’s presentation shows the heart of an Eket man. We genuinely love you, our Governor, and we will stand by you,” Archibong said.
He further appealed for the immediate establishment of a secondary school to complement the newly commissioned primary school, emphasising the need to ensure that children from the community do not have to relocate to urban areas to continue their education.
Dr Nsidibe Akata, the area’s representative in the State House of Assembly, praised Governor Eno’s performance in office, saying, “You have surpassed the expectations of the people. Your leadership has stood out among your contemporaries.”
The commissioning ceremony, which turned into a celebration of compassion, development and community upliftment, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable growth and access to quality education across rural areas in Akwa Ibom State.
