Oduk people Ikono Local Government Area have expressed appreciation to the State Governor Udom Emmanueol for taking over Oduk Unity Secondary School by the Akwa Ibom State Government.
They say the gesture by Mr Emmanuel to Unity Secondary School, Oduk will allow the school to enjoy all the privileges and benefits accrued to Government owned Secondary Schools in the State.
The Unity Secondary School, Oduk, Ikono LGA was built and funded by the community in order to fulfill the Educational obligations and needs of the people of the area.
The school has been on the care and management of the Community for more than twenty years without enjoying any support, either from the government or any agency.
It would be recalled that Gov. Udom Emmanuel announced the takeover of Unity Secondary School, Oduk, when he attended the funeral of Chief Ekpenyong Etefia, father of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Petroleum Matters, Sir Victor Etefia at Oduk, Ikono Local Government Area. Reacting to the gesture by Gov. Udom Emmanuel, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Patroleum Matters, Sir Victor Etefia, who is also an indigene of Oduk community, described the love and honour done to Oduk Community by the State Governor as a huge one, a privilege and a gift to his late father, who was, until his death, a community leader in Oduk, which according to him, has helped to erect a perpetual testimonial in the minds of the people of Oduk community and by extension Ikono Local Government Area.
“That milestone announcement by our beloved Government is a soothing balm that will ameliorate the burden and pains suffered by the people of Oduk in running the school before now”, Sir Etefia said.
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Sir Etefia glowingly described Gov. Udom Emmanuel as a leader who evokes admiration, respect, dignity and thoroughness in performing his duties as the State Chief Executive; noting that his name and personality exemplifies the highest ideal and standards in public service as a career.
The highly respected politician and oil magnet assured the people of Oduk community and Ikono LGA of his continued desire and determination to work for the success of Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration as well as playing strategic roles in attracting laudable projects and infrastructures that will have far-reaching impacts on the socio-economic and poltical life of the people in the area. Corroborating the position of Sir Victor Etefia, the village Head of Oduk, Eteidung Okon Umoh Nya, on behalf of the people of Oduk, thanked Gov. Udom Emmanuel for granting their request for the State Government to take over Unity Secondary School, Oduk. Eteidung Nyah in his assertion, disclosed that Gov. Udom Emmanuel has earned for himself a place of great distinction and honour in the minds of Oduk people with such an enviable record. The traditional leader maintained that the decision by the Governor to make Unity Secondary School a Government’s property is a copious testament that Gov. Udom Emmanuel loves Ikono Local Government Area and the people of Akwa Ibom State.
He confirmed that by this singular gesture of Gov. Emmanuel, the students of the school will now enjoy the Free and Compulsory Educational policies of the State Government, while hoping that with the new status of the school, Government will provide the needed academic facilities and structures that will engender conducive teaching and learning environment for both students and teachers alike.
