Mary Ekere
The Ikpoto Effiat Host Community Development Trust (IE-HCDT), in partnership with Antan Producing Limited, has awarded full scholarships to sixty-one students drawn from across Akwa Ibom State for post-primary education at St. Columbanus Secondary School, Ikwen, Obot Akara.
On Friday, September 26, 2025, the 61 beneficiaries were formally sent forth at a colourful ceremony organised by the Board of Trustees (BOT), Management Committee (MANCOM), and Advisory Committee (ADCOM) of IE-HCDT, held at the Trust office, Uyo. The initiative aims to bridge educational gaps among the communities and reposition the future of Effiat Ikpoto through education.
Addressing participants, the Chairman of IE-HCDT, Barr. Asuquo Asuquo Okpo, delivered a stirring message, reflecting on the community’s long years of neglect and marginalisation. He described education as the spearhead of the community’s redemption: “for too long, our community has been on the margins of development. Vast opportunities bypassed us because education was not treated as the engine of progress. That has been our story. But from this moment, it must no longer be our story. We have chosen a different future”.
Drawing parallels with nations like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, he noted that transformation comes when communities invest in human capital rather than relying solely on natural resources.
According to him, “the sea may sweep away our soil, but it cannot sweep away knowledge. It cannot defeat a young man who believes in his power to change the world, or a young woman who knows her voice matters. This programme is not an act of charity; it is a conscious investment in the only wealth that grows into generations unborn”.
He explained that the choice of St. Columbanus Secondary School was rooted in both history and value: “all the primary schools in Effiat Ikpoto were established by Catholic missionaries. St. Columbanus, with its reputation for academic excellence, discipline, and character-driven education, became the natural choice for pioneering this great dream”.
Okpo further disclosed that the 61 beneficiaries were spread across Local Government Areas such as Uyo, Ibiono Ibom, Urue-Offong, Oron, Okobo, Ukanafun, Ini, Etinan and Uruan. He also announced plans for mentorship programmes during school holidays, covering leadership, emotional intelligence, robotics and artificial intelligence. He appealed to Antan Producing Limited, NUPRC, NUIMS, government, and other stakeholders to support these initiatives, urging that 20% of the Trust’s annual allocation be dedicated to education as the most sustainable path to development.
Meanwhile, the Chairman also charged the students to “go forth, sixty-one seeds of greatness. Plant yourselves in knowledge and return to us as the oaks under whose shade generations yet unborn will find shelter”.
The Managing Director of Antan Producing Limited, represented by the Director of Business Services, Mrs. Awatt Etta, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to further partnership with the Host Trust in fulfillment of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
Representing the Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese and Proprietor of St. Columbanus Secondary School, Most Rev. Camillus Umoh, the Principal, Rev. Fr Emem Umoren assured parents that the school will mould the beneficiaries in both academics and character: “I am ready to take possession of these students, and I pledge that in six years, they will emerge as true products of quality education”.
On behalf of traditional rulers, the Clan Head/Akara Ikpoto V of Effiat, Obuong Bassey Bassey, commended Antan Producing Limited and the Trust for the laudable initiative. He urged beneficiaries to concentrate on their studies and requested that employment opportunities be created for them upon completion of their education.
The scholarship beneficiaries expressed overwhelming joy: “I feel happy that I am a beneficiary. The process was not easy, but I am glad I scaled through. May God bless my parents, the sponsors and St. Columbanus School”, said Abasifreke Bassey.
Gracious Henry from Uyo LGA added: “I passed through different screening stages and examinations. I am excited to have been selected”. Another beneficiary, Harmony, said: “we are overwhelmingly happy over this privilege. Thank you for believing in us and investing in our education. We will make you proud”.
A parent, Mr. Okon Bassey, whilst appreciating the sponsors said, “our children would have gone to school, but the quality of education would have been the difference. We are grateful for this intervention but will continue to do our own part by guiding them”.
The event also witnessed the official inauguration of the Antan Office complex in Uyo, featuring a conference centre, library, offices, and security post. Other highlights included exhortation and prayers by Pastor Essien, cultural displays, and a charge to the students to remain humble, fear God, and focus on their studies.
With the flag-off of this scholarship programme, Effiat Ikpoto has set a new course—one where education becomes the compass guiding its youth toward transformation and collective pride.