His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, the Obong of Calabar
From: Diana Okon-Effiong, Calabar
Twenty indigent students of Efik stock, studying in various tertiary institutions in Nigeria, have benefitted from the Obong of Calabar Scholarship scheme.
Addressing the beneficiaries at the a ceremony in his palace in Calabar, the monarch, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, advised them to reciprocate the gesture by being good ambassadors of Efik kingdom.
“The Efiks were trail blazers in time past because they loved education. Education is the bedrock of a people. There should be no reason why our children should not go to school. I have always pondered on the future of the Efiks in today’s world if our children do not go to school.
“But I am happy that the foundation has been laid today. We begin with only few students since this is just the inaugural ceremony. Next year, we will do better. More students will benefit.To you beneficiaries, please ensure you reciprocate this gesture by studying hard and at the appropriate time, I believe you will give back to the society.”
He commended the advisory body, Obong of Calabar Executive Forum, for putting together the event and buying into his vision. He called for unity among Efik people.
In his address, the immediate past commissioner for education in Cross River, Prof Offiong Offiong lamented “high rate of out-of-school population, low national literacy rate and low educational attainment in Nigeria today,” and commended the Obong for the scholarship scheme.
“With this bold step, it is necessary now for all to move away from rhetoric to action-oriented programmes such as this,” Offiong said.
On behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr Bassey Bassey Asuquo, a Medical student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, commended the Obong for extending his fatherly assistance to them. He also promised to give back to society for showing them love.
Our reporter observed that undisclosed amount of money, in form of cheque, was given out to the benefiting students.
Prominent Efik sons like Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Sen. Bassey Henshaw, Prof Roibito Ekanem, former health Minister Dr Emmanuel Nsan, High Chief Minika James, Chief Akpabio Mkpang, Chief Victor Efiom among others were present at the occasion.
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