—As Hope Academy, Ikot Essen High School emerge overall winners
The wife of the state governor, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Eno has commended the Transition Committee Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon Mercy Bassey for sustaining the Hon. (Lady) Mercy Bassey’s Annual Science Quiz/Debate Competition for four years while ensuring that the bar remains high.
The governor’s wife, who gave the commendation in her goodwill message at the grand finale of the competition, Thursday, July 11, noted that Hon Bassey’s commitment to the development of education in the local government was in line with the policy drive of the governor particularly on the advancement of education in the state.
Represented by the Coordinator, Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), Pastor Anne Abraham, the First Lady stated that education was a priority to the state government because of its potential to shape the future, adding that initiatives like the annual competition among schools in the rural communities will help bridge the gap in education.
“This competition marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards achieving intellectual growth, critical thinking and the spirit of healthy competition among our young minds. The intelligence and brilliance displayed by all participants throughout this competition have been truly inspiring.
“Each of you have demonstrated not only a deep understanding of various subjects but also the invaluable skills of articulation, reading and teamwork. Competition like this are more than just mere contests. They are platforms that empower our youths to voice their thoughts, challenges, conventional knowledge and propose innovative solutions to the pressing issues of our time.
“These events help to groom and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow, individuals who could shape the future with knowledge, empathy and commitment to excellence”, she said.
Commending the organisers and educators for their tireless efforts to ensuring that the competition was well-planned and delivered excellently, Mrs Eno said, “preparing these brilliant minds for a task like this is very commendable because you have provided them with the tools to succeed and the confidence to shine”.
She encouraged the participants who did not win to cheer up and feel proud about themselves for daring to stand out and not allow the result of the competition to become a setback in their pursuit of academic excellence or any other noble goal in life, adding that the skills and experiences that they have gained throughout the competition are invaluable and will be very useful to them in their future endeavours.
Also speaking, the Chairman, State Secondary Education Board (SSEB), Hon. Ekaette Ebong Okon noted that she was very impressed with the quality of the competition because it reflected the quality education that the state is known for, adding that such intellectual exercises go a long way to complement the efforts of the government.
“I feel highly elated about what I have seen here today. This is a prove that education is a powerful tool to change a society. Imagine these little children who are already so confident in speaking publicly and can even do research on topics to enable them back up their points. I understand that this is fourth edition of this competition so I want to specially commend the Chairman of Mkpat Enin for her zeal in promoting quality education”, she said.
She noted that the outcome of education depends on the quality of education that the children receive, adding that if the goal is to make the society better and also shape the future, then the children must be given the best learning opportunities and necessary support.
Hon Okon further stressed that the state government was committed to sustaining and improving the free and compulsory education policy as well as other education-friendly initiatives, appealing to parents, teachers and other stakeholders in the education sector to cooperate with the government in order to achieve the lofty goals for the sector.
Earlier in her opening speech, Hon Bassey stated that the annual competition was one of her contributions to the struggle to secure the future of the area, adding that was an effort geared towards helping secondary students in the local government learn to think intensively and critically.
“From inception, the objective of this competition, which is now in its fourth edition, was to foster a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and effective communication among students. We aim to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders and innovators.
“Last year, we expanded the competition to include private secondary schools, and Hope Academy, Ikot Ekpe emerged as the champion in the quiz while Community Secondary School, Mkpat Enin came first in the cultural dance competition. We are proud to have had all the schools on board and look forward to a continued collaboration.
“In our bit to further improve the standard of this highly competitive contest and to accommodate the interest of other students who are not science based, we introduced debate this year strictly for the arts students. The exclusive nature of the quiz for science students and debate for art students showcases the diversity and inclusivity of this competition”, she disclosed.
While thanking the governor, Pastor Umo Eno and wife for setting the pace in education development through education-friendly programmes in the ARISE Agenda and GIFA respectively, Hon Bassey averred that she was inspired to replicate what the state government was doing at the state level in Mkpat Enin.
“As the chief sponsor of this contest, I am proud to announce that it is designed to meet up with the ARISE Agenda ideology of the Akwa Ibom State governor’s free and compulsory education in the state in order to boast self-confidence through re-enforcement and re-awakening of the reading culture and strengthening the folds of education in our community.
“As we bring this edition to an end, I want to reassure that we have identified areas that we need to improve and will surely do in subsequent editions. While congratulating in advance, the schools that will emerge as winners in both quiz and debate, I wish to commend all the schools and students that participated in the competition. I salute their courage and bravery and I am optimistic that the future is bright for all of them”, she added.
She particularly thanked the Managing Director, Ibom Power Company, Engr. Meyen Etukudo for co-sponsoring the competition, as well as the entire members of the organising committee who ensured that the competition was smooth and successful.
Other dignitaries at the event include, Akparawa Udeme Udofia, Director in SSEB; Barr Godwin Udonta, Transition Committee Chairman, Ikot Abasi Local Government; Hon Elder Bill Nago, Transition Committee Chairman, Eastern Obolo Local Government; Mrs Uduak Ekong, Press Secretary to the wife of the governor; Com Edet Ukosin, Head of Local Government Service (HOLGS); Hon (Pastor) Friday Afia, Secretary, Mkpat Enin Transition Committee; Mrs Eno Akindutire, Com Ofonime Essien.
At the end of the competition, Hope Academy, Ikot Ekpe, took first position in quiz, while Community Secondary Commercial School, Iffe Town and Ikpa Ibom Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Ekong, took second and third positions respectively. In debate, Community High School, Ikot Essen, took first position, while Hope Academy, Ikot Ekpe and Father Fintans Memorial Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Ntot, took second and third positions respectively. The schools won N350,000, N230,000, and N120,000 as first, second and third prizes respectively.
