Abasifreke Effiong
Kinsley
Byron Ekpenyong, an officer of the Nigerian Army had handed over a three
classroom block, computer laboratory and 5KVA generator to Comprehensive
Secondary School, Ikot Akpaetok/Ediam in Ibesikpo Asutan local government area.
Ekpenyong
renovated the classroom block and set up the computer laboratory in response to
calls by host communities and management of the school after an April windstorm
blew off all blocks in the school.
At
the inauguration of the project, Commissioner for Education, Pastor Paul Udofia
said government was challenged by the positive response of citizens towards the
free and compulsory education policy of the State.
"The
ministry of education is challenged by this gesture. It demonstrates a positive
response of a very responsible citizen to challenges of providing education to
our children".
Udofia
said the nature of the project undertaken by Kingsley Byron Ekpenyong and its
contribution to the development of education in the state has encouraged him to
identify with it.
He
noted that "education is the ultimate tool for change; and government will
continue to encourage public spirited individuals and corporate organizations
assisting the state in driving its free and compulsory education policy".
The
commissioner said the ministry will give a commendation to the donor, expressed
belief that the gesture will encourage others.
"The
gesture by Kinsley Byron Ekpenyong will spur other people and corporate
organisations to continue to support the free and compulsory education of the
State government".
Udofia
noted that the free and compulsory education was on going and called on parents
to report principals and teachers who impose levies on their children.
"Let
me state clearly that government will sanction head teachers and principals who
impose levies on students. I call on members of the public to report any head
teacher and principal who indulges in this to my office", Udofia added.
The
Acting Chairman State Secondary Education Board Mike Akpan, said Kingsley Byron
was a good product of the school.
Akpan
called on alumni to make contributions to education through their respective
alma mater.
The
chairman, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Barrister Ukana Udofia
describes Kingsley Byron's gesture as wonderful.
"Today
we've seen the wonderful work of our brother who choose not to put up this
structure to his own glory but for society and glory of God".
Udofia
called on the people of Ibesikpo Asutan to strive to create little positive
impacts that will stand as legacies in their remembrance.
He
thanked teachers and students of the school for their understanding and
patience with government since the windstorm sacked the school.
"I
thank teachers of this school for their patience with government. Government is
aware of the hazards here, soon you will see the manifestation of government
policies".
In
his remarks, Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Edidem
Clement Ekpenyong said the traditional institution was pleased at the spirit of
community service demonstrated by Kingsley Byron.
Edidem
Ekpenyong and representatives of Ikot Akpaetok and Ediam, the school's host
communities wished Kingsley Byron long life and success in his career in the
army.
In
her address, Principal of the benefiting school, Mrs. Rose Ekwere Williams said
Kingsley Byron Ekpenyong has demonstrated that he has interest of the less
privileged children at heart.
"Kingsley
Byron Ekpenyong is a man who has interest for the less privileged children; a
man who believes that among the less privileged class, there are great stars
that need to be nurtured in a better learning environment".
Mrs.
Williams said Comprehensive Secondary School Ikot Akpaetok/Ediam founded in
1979 "through the years, infrastructure kept dilapidating gradually".
She
noted that when "windstorm blew off the whole school block comprising
principal's office, library, classrooms, staff room and other offices, we
sought intervention from many quarters. Students and staff were stranded".
The
principal particularly noted that the donation of a computer laboratory to the
school was timely in this era of computer based tests.
Mrs.
Williams said the school decided to name the block after Kingley Byron in
appreciation of his kindness, called on government to rebuild classrooms and
administrative blocks, provide library, laboratories and perimeter fence in the
school.
In
his remarks, Mr. Kinsley Byron Ekpenyong said his contribution was a thank you
to the school that made him, and a token of support to quality education and
state government's free and compulsory education policy.
"This
school made me what I am today. I did this because of the love I have for the
school and the community. I know government is busy doing other things so I had
to assist the government so that quality of education can improve".
Ekpenyong
called on Nigerians to support government to improve quality of infrastructure
in public schools.
At
the occasion, Kingsley Byron Ekpenyong received three awards for outstanding
contributions to educational development from Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government
Council, Ibesikpo Asutan Traditional Rulers Council and Students of
Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Akpaetok/Ediam.
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