By Bassey Eduno|Solomon OKPO
UYO, In a strategic move to deepen youth engagement and bolster educational support, Senator Ekong Sampson, who represents Akwa Ibom South and chairs the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, convened student leaders from across his senatorial district on Tuesday for a high-level briefing and consultative forum in Uyo.
Held at Shakespeare’s Hall, Watbridge Hotels and Suites, the meeting brought together presidents of local government student associations to discuss the upcoming second phase of the senator’s empowerment programme, review past challenges, and reaffirm the senator’s commitment to education and youth development.
Setting the tone, Engr. Benedict Edenseting, a close ally of the senator, emphasized that the meeting was designed to give student leaders direct access to legislative insights and project implementation processes. “The students are central stakeholders in this empowerment programme, especially considering that education grants form a major component,” he stated.
Senator Sampson, addressing the forum, announced the rollout of the second phase of his empowerment initiative, promising it would benefit more students and feature enhanced packages. He described the programme as part of his vision to build human capital across the district and correct gaps from the earlier phase.
Beyond grants, the senator highlighted the progress of three ICT and CBT centres he is establishing in Mkpat Enin, Eket, and Okobo local government areas. These facilities, he said, are nearing completion and are intended to bridge digital access gaps for secondary and tertiary students.
In a major policy revelation, Senator Sampson disclosed his pivotal role in thwarting a legislative attempt to repeal the Act establishing the University of Maritime Studies, Oron. “The university is non-negotiable,” he declared, revealing how he mobilized Oron leaders, House of Reps member Hon. Martins Esin, and secured the Senate President’s backing to defend the institution’s existence.
According to him, the university holds strategic economic value for Oron and the region at large. He pledged to continue advocating for its full implementation and funding.
Senator Sampson used the opportunity to brief the students on his legislative track record, listing key bills he has championed. These include:
Establishment of the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Eket (2nd reading stage)
Federal Medical Centre, Akwa Ibom South (2nd reading stage)
Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (Public hearing stage)
Nigerian Solid Minerals Development Corporation (1st reading)
Child Rights Act Amendment Bill (1st reading)
South-South Development Commission (Already passed and assented)
Student leaders at the event were unanimous in their commendation of the senator. Miss Torobong Obot, Worldwide President of the Eket Students Association, lauded the senator’s educational priorities, revealing that she benefited directly from the first phase of his empowerment support.
Other student leaders who spoke – including representatives from Mkpat Enin, Esit Eket, Urue Offong/Oruko, and Udung-Uko – praised the senator’s accessibility and people-driven leadership.
The meeting ended with a unanimous vote of confidence passed on Senator Sampson, affirming his dedication to inclusive representation and youth development.
The session was attended by notable youth stakeholders and political aides, including Otuekong Barr. Ini Ikott, chairman of the empowerment committee; Hon. Nkereuwem James of the Akwa Ibom Democratic Coalition; and youth mobilization aides to the Governor representing various federal constituencies – Oron, Eket, and Ikot Abasi.
