…donates School uniforms to Pupils…
A dilapidated classroom block at Saint Mary’s Primary School in Esine-Ufot Adiabo, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, has been transformed into a modern learning environment, thanks to the efforts of philanthropist Lion Chief Ene Okpo-Ene Ita. Established in 1950, the school now boasts a renovated 3-classroom block with 4 toilets, officially handed over to the Cross River State Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) on Wednesday.
Chief Ita, President of the Calabar Tinapa Lions Club, led the renovation project with support from Lions Club International. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Chief Ita explained his motivation: “The school’s infrastructure was in a decrepit state, with all three classroom blocks leaking when it rained. I decided to renovate one block to positively impact the pupils’ lives. I started the project in February 2024 and completed it on June 26, 2024, within the one-year timeline.”
He detailed the new facilities, saying, “It’s a 3-classroom block with 4 toilets. We designated one toilet for the head teacher, one for female teachers, one for male teachers, and one for the pupils. The total cost was 7.8 million naira, all funded personally without borrowing. Today, we hand over a deserving classroom block to the Ministry of Education and SUBEB.”
Chief Ita urged the Ministry and SUBEB to equip the classrooms with modern desks and whiteboards to provide students with a learning environment comparable to their urban peers.
Commissioner for Education, Dr. Stephen Odey, represented by Mr. Augustine Ekereke, Director of Planning and Projects, lauded Chief Ita’s generosity. He noted that the gesture aligns with the ministry’s “adopt a school for development” policy, encouraging similar projects in the education sector. “This renovation exemplifies the Lions Club International’s mission to serve humanity,” he said.
Mrs. Caroline Asikpo-Edet, Acting Chairman of SUBEB, represented by the Director of Planning and Projects, also praised Chief Ita. “This project supports the government’s efforts to renovate public primary schools to international standards. We will provide modern desks in the next state-wide intervention and build another classroom block to accommodate the community’s growing population,” she announced.
High Chief Okon Edet Otu, Clan Council Secretary of Adiabo Ikot Mbo Otu, representing the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, expressed the community’s gratitude to the Lions Club.
Head Teacher Dr. Sampson Ikpeme and Village Head Chief Okon Otu Inok echoed their thanks and urged the state government to establish a secondary school in the community.
The event featured the commissioning of the renovated classroom block by Lion Charles Itu, District Governor of Lions Club International District 404A, the presentation of a Letter of Commendation to Chief Ita by SUBEB, and the distribution of school uniforms to the pupils. Also present was Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, the representative of the Cross River State Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
