Ubong Essien Umoh, Honorable Commissioner for Education, Akwa Ibom State, has commended the Nigerian Army for its contribution to educational development in the state.
In a statement shared via his official LinkedIn handle, Commissioner Umoh revealed that he was at St. Dominic’s Primary School, Mbak Etoi, Uyo, to formally receive the donation of a renovated block comprising six furnished classrooms, two administrative offices, a water reticulation system, and six flush toilet facilities. The project was facilitated by Major General AE Edet under the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative and sponsored by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The commissioner noted that St. Dominic’s Primary School, with its historic colonial-style buildings, reflects the rich heritage and tourism potential of the area. He praised the leadership of the Nigerian Army and the patriotism of Maj. Gen. AE Edet for supporting national security by enhancing the basic indices of human security—education.
“This effort complements the vision of His Excellency, Pastor (Dr) Umo Bassey Eno, who has long emphasized the McNamara principle that ‘security is development, and without development, there can be no security,’” Commissioner Umoh said. He added that this vision forms the core of the ARISE Agenda, which has significantly reduced poverty, unemployment, and inequality in the state, consolidating human security through education.
Commissioner Umoh was visibly impressed by the pupils’ performances, describing them as a display of collective brilliance, confidence, and showmanship. He attributed this to the dedication of professional teachers and the consistent investment in education by the state government, which oversees 1,171 public primary schools.
Top dignitaries at the event included Major General E.E. Emekah (GOC, 6 Division, Port Harcourt), Brig.-Gen. N.E. Okoloagu (Commander, 2 Brigade, Uyo), representatives of the Chief of Army Staff, and officials of the state and local governments, as well as religious and traditional leaders.
