It was a spectacle to behold as the chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Hon Uko Umoh, appeared in a school uniform for the 2025 children’s day celebration.
Clad in an orange shirt and lemon green short with sandals, the chairman joined pupils of Mbioto 1 International Nursery School, Mbioto 1 for the march past.
Earlier the chairman delivered the governor’s address for the occasion where he assured children of the commitment of his administration to protect their rights and integrity.
“On our part as a government, we have strengthened the child rights law in our State, and backed it with appropriate legislation and commensurate sanctions for defaulters.
“This administration does not condone child abuse or molestation of any sort, and the culprits shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“We shall continue to implement policies and programmes that will protect our children. That shall remain our commitment throughout the lifespan of this administration” the governor declared.
The governor also stated the readiness of his administration to ensure peace in the state throughout the duration of his administration.
“For the sake of our children, we are committed to ensuring peace in the State. We shall maintain our zero tolerance to crime and criminality knowing full well that any breakdown of law and order affects our children mostly.
“So far, we have encouraged and rewarded many of our children who have distinguished themselves in academic and other areas. Any Akwa Ibom child or resident who stands out will be rewarded to spur others. We recognize hard work and abhor laziness and mediocrity among our children because we are building a generation of doers and high achievers.”
High point of the celebration was a cash donation of N500,000.00 (Five hundred thousand naira only) by the Paramount Ruler of Etinan Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Aniefiok Monday Akpan Obong for schools that emerged first position in March past and cultural display.
The event was well attended by pupils and students in both public and private schools, uniform organizations, socio political groups, Head of Local Government service for Etinan and all Directors, NULGE, Service Chiefs, the political class, traditional rulers and religious leaders.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Stand up, Speak up: Building A Bullying-Free Generation”.