Akaiso Akaiso, Uyo
The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, has called for the inclusion of more girls in the Ubodung Clan educational empowerment scheme, saying educating the girl-child is educating the entire clan.
Eyakenyi made the call on Saturday when she attended the first anniversary of the coronation and enthronement of ETI UBODUNG VII, HRH OFFONG ASUKWO ETIM UMIUM, The Grand Monarch of Ubodung Ovid Oro and the launching of N200M educational endowment fund. The ceremony held at the Methodist School, Okossi, Urue OFFONG/Oruko LGA, Akwa Ibom State was also used for the grand reception of Local Government Chairmen from the five LGAs of ORO Nation.
The deputy governor, whose charge was probably directed to the newly inaugurated committee to handle the disbursement of the scholarship, commended the clan for instituting the scheme as a tool for human capital development, noted with chagrin that while boys are given opportunities, girls are often left behind despite showing academic excellence.
“Ubodung is blessed with brilliant girls. If we educate them, they will come back to build the clan. I plead that in the next edition, we deliberately increase the number of girls to at least 50 percent,” she said.
She lauded the initiative as being in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda which prioritizes education and inclusiveness.
To support the scheme, the representative of the deputy governor handed over the big brown envelope with cash to the organizers without disclosing the exact amount donated and pledged continued support to sustain the programme.
On politics, Eyakenyi used the occasion to solicit support for the re-election of Governor Umo Eno and herself in 2027.
She said the Umo Eno/Akon Eyakenyi ticket has delivered on its campaign promises in less than three years, with visible projects in roads, schools, health and rural development across the 31 local government areas.
“Umo Eno is a promise keeper. Urue OFFONG /Oruko and indeed entire Oron nation has felt his impact. I urge Ubodung Clan to continue to stand by this administration and vote for continuity in 2027,” she appealed.
Earlier, the Chairman on the occasion, Ikpoto Okon Osung explained that education is the only tool for tangible human development, warning the new committee he had constituted to discharge their duty with due diligence and ensure that only brilliant but indigent students from the clan are considered.
In his response, the Grand Monarch of Ubodung Clan, His Royal Majesty, OFFONG UMIUM, thanked the deputy governor for her motherly concern for the girl-child and for identifying with the clan.
The monarch blessed the deputy governor and prayed for the success of the Umo Eno administration.
Eyakenyi, in turn, wished the Grand Monarch longevity on the throne, good health and more wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs of Ubodung Clan peacefully.
High point of the event was the conferment of chieftaincy titles to sons and daughters of the clan who have distinguished themselves in their human endeavors as the searchlight for the awardees also pointed to a few individuals outside the enclave. One of the awardees is the Executive Chairman of Urue OFFONG/ Oruko LGA. Chief Ambassador Uno ETIM Uno JP, who bagged the highest chieftaincy tittle of OTU EKUNG UBODUNG CLAN.
Otu Ekung Uno E. Uno flanked by his delectable wife, Elizabeth was the only incumbent council boss from the five fingers of Oro nation that was present for the civic reception, while his four counterparts sent representatives.
He donated N2M for the launch, N1M on behalf of Urue Offong/Oruko council and N1M from his personal account, while his counterparts made N1M donation each. The launch raked in over twenty million with greater amount in promissory notes.
Responding on behalf of the five local government chairmen received, Chief Uno thanked the Ubodung clan council of traditional rulers for the recognition accorded them and promised to continue to contribute to programs that will bring development and progress to the clan.
The event was attended by political leaders, traditional chiefs, women and youth groups, as well as beneficiaries of the guests from far and near.
For a better society
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