Encomium as Education Supervisor donates school supplies to Iwuokpom Opolom Primary School in Akwa Ibom
By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.
In a heartwarming gesture of community service and educational upliftment, the Supervisor for Education in Ibeno Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Lily Victor Edikpo, has donated vital school supplies to pupils of Government Primary School, Iwuokpom Opolom, fulfilling a promise she made earlier this year.
In an interactive session with the Daily Times on Wednesday in Ibeno, Mrs. Edikpo revealed that she officially made the presentation to the school on May 26, 2025
According to her, the donation included Brand-new uniforms for all pupils, Socks and sandals, Exercise books, pens and pencils, Traditional attires for cultural events, and Five cartons of chalk for classroom use.
The initiative, according to Mrs. Edikpo, was born out of a personal visit to the school on March 7, 2025, when she celebrated her birthday with the pupils.
She was moved by the sight of all 28 pupils without proper school uniforms, many of whom were either barefoot or wearing worn slippers. Determined to change the narrative, she promptly arranged for a tailor to take measurements for 30 children for uniforms, which were delivered in time for the Children’s Day celebration on May 27.
“It was a promise fulfilled to me because they appeared all beautiful and neat. To God be the glory,” said Mrs. Edikpo during her speech, visibly emotional.
Accompanying her on the visit were key education stakeholders, including Hon. James Ibiat, Councillor for Ward 4, Mr. Ipak Uyere, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ibeno, Mr. Uno Bassey, NUT Secretary and Deputy Head of the school, Mr. John Effiong, Chairman of ASUSS and a teacher at Secondary Grammar School, Ibeno.
The school’s headmistress, Princess Mercy Akpakip, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the staff and pupils. She praised the commitment of both Hon. Edikpo and the Executive Chairman of Ibeno LGA, Hon. Mrs. Glory Ekah Effiong, who facilitated the ongoing renovation of the school buildings.
“We had been praying for improvements, and now, with the help of the Chairman and the Education Supervisor, we have a new classroom with a proper roof that allows us to learn even during the rain,” Akpakip stated
Ward 4 Councillor Hon. James Ibiat also commended the initiative and assured the pupils of continued government support. He encouraged the students to take advantage of the improved learning environment and dedicate themselves to their studies.
One of the most striking outcomes of the donation has been the motivational impact on the pupils. Historically, attendance in Ibeno schools has been low, with many children lacking the basic supplies and uniforms needed for schooling.
The gesture from Hon. Edikpo has not only improved the physical condition of the school but also restored a sense of pride and enthusiasm among the students.
NUT Chairman, Mr. Ipak Uyere, expressed amazement at the unprecedented gesture, stating: “I’ve never seen anything like this in Ibeno. It is indeed a new dawn for education in our community.”
As the children showcased their marching skills in their new uniforms during the Children’s Day parade, the joy and excitement on their faces marked a turning point for the school and the wider community.
This initiative by Hon. Lily Victor Edikpo stands as a shining example of compassionate leadership and serves as a call to action for more investments in grassroots education across Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large.
