By Solomon OKPO
Otioro, Okobo, Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, has unveiled a combined ₦600 million package to strengthen education and sports development in the district.
The announcement was made at St. Vincent Secondary School, Otioro, Okobo Local Government Area, during activities marking the Senator’s 2025 birthday celebration. He pledged ₦100 million in grants to support students and ₦500 million for sports projects across schools in Akwa Ibom South.
In addition to financial interventions, the lawmaker distributed educational materials, including branded exercise books, footballs, and writing kits to schools such as Methodist Senior Science College, Oron, and Comprehensive Secondary School, Ekeya.
Sampson, accompanied by his wife and children, personally engaged with students, offering guidance on essay writing and sharing his own academic experience of earning a distinction in English Language.
Reaffirming his commitment to educational infrastructure, the Senator promised to provide full perimeter fencing for St. Vincent Secondary School and complete its ICT/CBT Centre. He also announced plans for similar ICT centres at Excellence College, Ikot Unya (Mkpat Enin) and St. Francis Secondary School, Ikot Ataku (Eket).
Highlighting his role as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), Sampson explained that WAEC’s shift from paper-based to computer-based examinations necessitated his investment in ICT facilities. According to him, such projects will adequately prepare Akwa Ibom South students to compete nationally and globally.
The event drew a cross-section of political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders. The Paramount Ruler of Okobo, HRM Edidem Ita Okokon, was represented by Chief Asukwo Ibok, while prominent PDP leaders, including Barr. Ekpong Edemumoh, Hon. Peter Bassey, and Barr. Godwin Ettah, were also present.
Former Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey, who served as chief host, praised the Senator’s interventions in education, healthcare, and power, assuring him of Okobo people’s total support for his second term bid.
Goodwill messages flowed in from leaders including Engr. Benedict Ukpong, Chief Effiong Abia, and Sir Adasi Obolum, who described the Senator as a visionary driving infrastructural renaissance in the senatorial district.
The celebration concluded at Princess Felicia Bassey’s residence, where guests were entertained in a convivial atmosphere of music, dance, and goodwill.
