By Dopse Eberefiak
The Apostolic Church Primary School, Ifa Ikot Okpon in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital has always being in the news.
Perhaps not due to its proximity to the family compound of the former council boss of Uyo Local Government Area, Hon. Chris Ekpenyong. Or the clan of the Former State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Valerie Ebe. But because of the centrality and the calibers of the people the school has produced in the past decades.
Despite prominent roles in developing the society, what borders me much is the dilapidated structure of the school, inadequate teaching staff, instructional materials; poor condition of the road leading to the school and other sundry issues which has intermittently made the school headline news in most local tabloid in the state.
Notwithstanding, the philosophy of Nigeria today on education, which is succinctly tailored towards molding a complete citizen that is able to contribute his quota meaningfully to the development of the society, Apostolic Church Primary School, Ifa Ikot Okpon, appears to have been eluded from the development of our state owned primary schools by successive administrations.
In the past 60 years or so, the school and its environs have worn the cloak of kwashiorkor victims prominently seen during the Nigeria civil war. From its dilapidated structure to the decayed classrooms where pupils sit on the bare floor to learn evoke pity and emotive words that could be offered in tear drops.
However, amidst the sordid situation, the native of Ifa Ikot Okpon especially the pupils of Apostolic Primary School have being given the ‘guts’ to smile. The State Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel is said to have recently awarded a contract of the road leading to Apostolic Church Primary School, Ifa Ikot Okpon for repairs and it is believed, in no time, they would be an outburst of celebrations.
Consequently, they have being a welcome development in the school. About two weeks ago, Rotary Club of Uyo, which cardinal focus is to provide service to humanity, had stormed the school with desks, instructional tools and other sundry materials to assist the pupils.
The succor offered to the pupils was emotionally embedded in the theme “Floor to desk”.
Interestingly, the erudite lawmaker representing Uyo in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Monday Eyo has tailored himself to the same spirit, by offering succor to the pupils of the school. He has donated 50 double seat durable desks to the school; thus lifting a sizeable number of about 150 pupils from “bare floor to desk”.
It was joy unstoppable for the head teacher and pupils. The crowd was thrown into ecstasy. The community leaders of the area, youths, women, Royal fathers, as well as the wife of Uyo Council Boss, Mrs. Bridget Ben, Secretary, Uyo Council, Barr. Stella Udoh, PDP ward 4 Chairman, Mr. Edet Nyong, Youth Leader of the area, Mr. Ime Ita Etom were all present and in high spirit of gratitude.
Speaking, the Uyo lawmaker ably represented by his lovely wife, Mrs. Joyful Eyo said they gift was devoid of any political undercurrent but from his heart as he is passionate and poised in supporting every Akwa Ibom child in the state.
Earlier in his interaction with the pupils, he charged them not to be distracted but to take their studies seriously, remain good children as they are the future leaders of tomorrow. While appreciating the school and the community for welcoming him, he assured them that he will continue to support the school.
He equally assured that he will extend the gesture to other schools with similar challenges, especially, St. Peters Primary School, Anyanyha, Uyo, which his attention has being drawn. However, in his usual magnanimity, he doled out cash to youths and women of the area.
In her reaction, the Head teacher, Mrs. Jenny Thomas who was visibly elated, commended the lawmaker for his show of love and support to the school. She said he has added value to the lives of the pupils and they will be challenged to put more efforts into learning. She equally assured that the seats will be well managed while appealing for more supports.
Also speaking, the youth leader of the community, Akparawa Ime Etom commended the lawmaker for his magnanimity. He however appealed to the lawmaker to facilitate the building of a fence round the school for the purpose of security.
Meanwhile a native of the area, Obongawan Madalene Ukpong in the midst of the jubilation, seized opportunity to draw the attention of the lawmaker and the public to other primary schools with similar conditions around the area. She frowned as she narrated the poor conditions of most of the schools thus appealing to the state government for quick intervention.
Others who spoke included, Uyo, ward 4 PDP Chairman, Mr. Edet Bassey Nyong, wife of Uyo Council Boss, Mrs. Bridget Ben, etc.
Frankly, from these revelations, one is not out of place to say that there is much work to be done. But if we jointly contribute our quota, we will surely make a difference.
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