The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, has identified education as the fundamental human right of every child in Akwa Ibom State and said the government will do everything possible to ensure the children are protected and well taken care of.
Governor Eno stated this earlier today at the Uyo Township Stadium, while addressing children and guests, on the occasion of the 2026 International Children’s Day Celebration.
The Governor who spoke through the Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh, maintained that every 27th day of May every year is dedicated to celebrate the children, as made possible through the gift that God has given to parents and stressed the need for special care to be provided for the children, as future hope and leaders of the nation.
He added that the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare has the mandate of caring for every child in Akwa Ibom, until they are fully grown to survive on their own, stressing that it is also the duty of the State Government to ensure that all children in the state are protected, through the Child’s Rights Law that has been domesticated in the state.
The Governor pledged the readiness of his administration to sustain the free and compulsory education policy under the ARISE Agenda in Akwa Ibom State, through provision of conducive learning environment and educational equipment to support the children.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon.Mrs. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, said the event was a special occasion dedicated to celebrate the children, whom according to her, are the pride of every society and the leaders of tomorrow, adding that it was also an opportunity to reflect on the collective responsibility to nurture, protect and empower them to become responsible and productive citizens, because the future of every nation depends greatly on the care, guidance and values imparted to its children today.
Hon. Mrs. Etukudo noted that one of the most impactful achievements of this administration, is the provision of free, compulsory and qualitative education for children in primary and post-primary schools, which has significantly improved access to learning, while reducing the financial burden on families.
She further said the construction and equipping of 31 Model Primary Schools with state-of-the-art facilities,strategically located in each of the 31 Local Government Areas of the State, stand as a landmark achievement of this administration. These schools according to the Commissioner provide a conducive environment for learning and are a clear indication of Governor Umo Eno’s dedication and commitment to educational excellence in Akwa Ibom State.
The Commissioner applauded the Governor for the introduction of free medical care for children aged 0 to 5 years, which she said has greatly improved their health and survival, ensuring that the young ones receive the care they need during their formative years. These laudable achievements Mrs. Etukudo noted, underscores the government’s commitment to building a strong foundation for the future of Akwa Ibom State.
The colourful event which was celebrated with the theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion For Every Nigerian Child”, featured performance by the Children’s Parliament, cultural displays by school children, praise and worship, brief exhortation, march past by school children and voluntary organizations among others.
High point of the event, was presentation and award of prizes by the representative of the Governor to winning schools during the March Past, which saw Precious Learners School, Uyo clinched the 1st position, under Nursery/ Primary category, followed by African Church Nursery/ Primary School, Anua Obio Offot, Uyo, while Methodist School, Obot Obom came 3rd.
Under the Secondary School category, Community Secondary School, Aka Offot, Uyo took 1st position, followed by Nesson Secondary School, Uyo, while Community Secondary School, Four Towns, Uyo, came 3rd.