By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist News Desk
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned the newly rebuilt Methodist Model Primary School at Ikot Abia Idem in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, giving the 115-year-old institution a new lease of life.
Established in 1911, the school had over the years suffered structural deterioration before the state government embarked on its complete reconstruction.
Representing the Governor at the ceremony, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien recounted his early days when he attended the school between 1962 and 1967 admitting that seeing the transformation, brings very nostalgic memories.
IbokEssien thanked Governor Eno for the revamp, saying the intervention had given the historic institution a new lease of life.
He said the project demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and creating better opportunities for children.
The rebuilt facility now features modern classrooms, ICT facilities, teachers’ residential quarters, solar powered electricity and a borehole, providing a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
The commissioning was part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State and attracted members of the State Executive Council, local government chairmen, permanent secretaries, senior aides to the Governor, traditional rulers, political leaders, women, youths, parents and pupils.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh, said the 115-year-old school had faced years of structural decline before the intervention.
Professor Umoh said the reconstruction was part of the administration’s programme to develop Model Primary Schools across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State.
He explained that the facilities were designed to provide pupils with a conducive learning environment while exposing them to modern technology from the primary level.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, described the project as an investment in the future of children rather than merely the construction of another school building.
Ekong said the inclusion of ICT facilities, teachers’ residential quarters, solar power and a borehole reflected a new approach to primary education infrastructure in the state.
He called on the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure that the infrastructure and equipment are properly protected and maintained.
The Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, thanked Governor Eno for what he described as the impact of the ARISE Agenda in the area.
Nkom said the people of Ikot Ekpene had witnessed interventions in different sectors and expressed appreciation for the development projects executed in the Local Government Area.
The member representing the area in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Jerry Anson Otu, also commended the Governor for his interventions in Ikot Ekpene, particularly projects aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
The Paramount Ruler, Akuku Okon, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno and others who contributed to the completion of the project.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from community and political leaders, who commended the intervention and pledged to support the protection and maintenance of the facility.
The rebuilt school is one of the Model Primary Schools being developed by the Eno administration across Akwa Ibom State as part of efforts to improve basic education infrastructure.
