Effiat Offot Presents Books, School Bags, Bicycles to Pupils, Students

Effiat Offot Village in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has presented books, school bags, bicycles and other educational materials to pupils and students as part of efforts to encourage academic excellence, moral development and skills acquisition among young people in the community.

The presentation formed the grand finale of a long-holiday educational and skills-development programme organised by the village for schoolchildren and youths. A total of 73 beneficiaries—12 primary school pupils, 32 junior secondary school students and 29 senior secondary school students—benefited from the initiative. The programme, which was held at the Village Head’s Chamber during the long vacation, exposed the participants to Christian Religious Education, English Language, Ibibio Language and Culture, moral education and other areas of personal development.

The grand finale took place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Effiat Offot Civic Centre, where deserving pupils and students received school bags, exercise books, bicycles and other learning materials. Outstanding participants were also recognised and rewarded for their performance and conduct.

Earlier, the Village Head, Eteidung Barrister Udo C. J. George, said his decision to embark on youth and educational development initiatives was inspired by a deep concern for the welfare and future of the people of Effiat Offot. Drawing from the biblical account of Nehemiah, he said that although Nehemiah lived comfortably in the king’s palace, he remained concerned about the condition of his people and the land of his fathers.

Eteidung George recalled that before March 3, 2024, he never imagined that he would become the Village Head of Effiat Offot. He said that when the people approached him to take up the traditional leadership of the village, he prayed to God for approval and direction. According to him, he had always been saddened by the condition of his people and therefore considered his position an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their development.

The Village Head noted that Effiat Offot occupies an important position in the affairs of the area and accommodates the State Secretariat, making the village part of the administrative centre of Akwa Ibom State. He said the community had also made substantial sacrifices for public development, including providing land for the Federal Housing Estate, Banking Layout, Women Development Centre, orphanage homes, community secondary school and major roads, including IBB Avenue and Atiku Abubakar Avenue.

Despite these contributions, he expressed concern about what he described as inadequate development and employment opportunities for indigenes of the community. He said the condition of some roads in the village remained poor and that the community needed greater attention in areas such as healthcare, infrastructure and employment.

Eteidung George said the situation motivated him to initiate youth development programmes in 2024 and 2025. He disclosed that about 130 people were trained in different vocations in 2025, while another 40 persons received computer training alongside lessons on morality, drug abuse and the consequences of criminal activities. Four youths were also trained in solar repairs and installation and other skills.

He said some Effiat Offot indigenes had also been introduced and supported for private employment opportunities, adding that the response of young people to the training programmes had been encouraging.

According to him, the programme was not limited to vocational and academic training but also incorporated the history and cultural heritage of Effiat Offot. He thanked the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture for training youths from the community in cultural dances and identity.

The Village Head acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organisations towards the success of the initiative, including Samuel Efiok, who donated cash and scholarships; Paul Etim Akpan and Victor Ufia Ekanem, who donated bicycles; Mr. BBC; and Engr. Peter Inyang of Peria Global Limited. He also appreciated the indigenous instructors, Mfoniso George and Gideon Nkenang, as well as Adiaha Offot of the Council for Arts and Culture, the Village Council Chairman and others who contributed to the programme.

He called on well-meaning people of Effiat Offot to join hands in combating illiteracy, cultism, drug abuse and other social vices, stressing that the development of the younger generation remained essential to the future of the community.

Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, Pastor Idongesit Nkenang commended the Village Head for what he described as an initiative that had not been witnessed in the history of the village. He thanked the children for responding positively to the call to learn and appreciated the individuals who contributed to the success of the programme.

The beneficiaries, who took turns to speak, expressed appreciation to the Village Head and the community for investing in their education. They explained that the holiday classes had broadened their knowledge and taught them lessons that would help them become responsible citizens.

The Youth President of Effiat Offot, Mr. Editi Nkenang, also commended Eteidung George for his commitment and love for the community. He described the initiative as unprecedented in the village and donated exercise books on behalf of the youths to further support the educational programme.

Among those recognised at the ceremony were Utenge Emmanuel, who emerged Overall Best Student and received a Bible and mathematics set; Wisdom Akaninyene Felix, Most Obedient Student; Helina Japheth Gizo, Best in Academics; Precious Edwin Effiong, Most Punctual Student; and Destiny Ndueso James, Best Student in the Junior Secondary School category.

The event ended with renewed calls for sustained investment in education, skills acquisition, culture and character formation as Effiat Offot seeks to prepare its younger generation for greater opportunities and responsible citizenship.