By Grace Bernard
The founder of the Edet Ekpo Bassey Uwe Educational Foundation (EEBUEF), Lady Nkoyo Ekpo, JP, visited Government Primary School, Uboro Isong Inyang in Udung Uko Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday. This visit was another milestone in her continuous efforts to give back to the community that raised her, as she considers Uboro Isong Inyang her second primary school.
Lady Nkoyo Ekpo expressed her affection for the school and community, highlighting the community’s strength and belief in justice. She recalled how Uboro Isong Inyang settled issues in Uko and emphasized that the community’s unity is why it remains on her mind. According to her, all the children in Uboro Isong Inyang are her children, and she feels compelled to support them as she does her own.
“I have so many children to take care of, and all the people of Uboro Isong Inyang are my children,” Lady Nkoyo Ekpo said. “Whatever I do for my own children, I feel the need to do it for the children of Uboro Isong Inyang.”
She urged the youths and councilors to contribute to the school and community’s development, emphasizing that one doesn’t need wealth to assist. “You don’t need to be a millionaire to assist; whatever you do promotes the school and community,” she said.
Lady Nkoyo Ekpo inspired the children, saying a governor could emerge from their school and that their mindset determines their greatness, citing the example of former US President Barack Obama. “You might look at yourself as a minority, but the minority produced the president of the United States of America,” she said.
She praised the school’s principal, Madam Williams Mercy Isikong, for her dedication and thanked the chiefs, youths, and councilor Hon Ita Bassey for their support. Lady Nkoyo Ekpo also appreciated the Governor Umo Eno administration for enabling students to complete primary school without interruption.
Hon Ita Bassey, councilor representing Ward 6, thanked Lady Nkoyo Ekpo for her kindness and promised to provide a grass-cut grassing machine for the school. “As a councilor of this ward, I have moved a motion to the House of Assembly, and Uboro Isong Inyang Primary School is part of it,” he said.
The chief of Uboro Isong Inyang, Chief Effiong Onuwak expressed excitement about the school’s progress and urged children to excel in their studies. “Each time I see Uboro Isong Inyang Primary School, I am always excited because, in 1961, the school was closed down, but Lady Nkoyo’s brother , Whysco came to rescue the school,” he said.
The principal, Madam Mercy Isikong, described Lady Nkoyo Ekpo as a wonderful woman with passion and thanked her for donating 90 uniforms. “Lady Nkoyo Ekpo has been visiting the school to donate writing materials, uniforms, bags, and organizing inter-house sports,” she said.
Elder Kingsley Ekpangedoho, secretary of the School Base Management Committee, promised to provide writing materials and secure the school. “We will ensure the school is secured, and crossing the school field during school hours will be prohibited,” he said.
The youth leader, Mr. Sunday Ita Okon, thanked Lady Nkoyo Ekpo for her consistent support, recalling her aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lady Nkoyo Ekpo came to Nigeria and gave food and treatment to the people of Uboro Isong Inyang and other villages,” he said.
Mr. Okon prayed that God would keep Lady Nkoyo Ekpo safe and bless her efforts.
The event concluded with prayers offered by the children, led by Miss Treasure Eno Nkeruwem.