By Uwakmfon Dan
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Pastor Paul Udofia has warned Secondary School Students in the State to abstain from cultism and other social vices, hinting that, such acts are capable of damaging their future.
Pastor Udofia dropped the charge at a one day symposium for Secondary School Students in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, tagged “The Making of Godly Champions”, organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Reorientation in collaboration with Gospel 24/7, held at State College, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
Speaking further, the Commissioner advised the students to remain studious and morally upright, maintaining such qualities are requisite for self discovery.
"At this stage, you need to be studious, at this stage, you need to be morally disciplined, at this stage, you need to have respect for elders, at this stage, you need to shun social vices.
"You must day no to violence, you must say no to cultism, you must say no to lack of respect for your parents and teachers", he said.
The Ministry of Education helmsman while commending the organisers of the programme, described Governor Udom Emmanuel as an education friendly Governor, and cited prompt payment of teachers' salaries and the free and compulsory education policy as pluses for the Governor.
He urged the students to inculcate the fear of God in them, while making good advantage of the free education scheme of the State Government.
"Governor Udom Emmanuel is indeed an education friendly Governor, you will agree with me than most States cannot even pay salaries, talk less of declaring free and compulsory education.
"What Government is trying to do is create opportunities for every child in Akwa Ibom State, to have the best of education and I want you to make the best out of it", the Commissioner added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Charles Udoh, reiterated the State Government's concern toward the academic welfare of the students, adding that the government believes in them and is making sacrifices to toward ensuring a brighter future for them.
"The government of Akwa Ibom State has shown so much love for you, the government is so much interested in you and your future, that is why the government has continued to ensure that education is free", Udoh hinted.
He appealed to the students to justify the State government's investment and that of their parents by practicing the detects of the Dakkada Philosophy.
On his part, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Nse Essien, said he was at the event to encourage the students.
Mr Essien particularly mentioned cyber crime as one of the issues confronting the younger generation and advised the students it abstain from acts which may ruin their future.
In his remarks, the Chief Organiser and Special Assistant to the Governor on Reorientation, Mr Ekpeno Gold urged the students to avoid being too comfortable with their position, rather, they should always seek greater achievements.
Mr Gold who said that life does not end in school, told the students, to brace up for the responsibilities ahead and thanked the guests for their presence and contributions to the successful hosting of the event.
While appreciating his team and participating schools, the Governor’s Aide said the programme will help lay a stronger foundation for the students in line with the Dakkada Philosophy of the State Government.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the programme, Mr Kuseme Idiong, while welcoming guests to the event, expressed optimism that the event will go a long way in reducing youth related vices in the State.
Others who spoke at the event included the Special Assistant to the Governor on Education Monitoring, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet and the Principal, State College, Ikot Ekpene, Mrs Lucina Udo.
Highlights of the well attended event included a welcome song by the host School and recitation of the Dakkada Creed.
No comments: