61 Students Flagged Off Under Ikpoto Effiat Education Sponsorship Programme

The Ikpoto Effiat Host Community Development Trust (IE-HCDT), in partnership with Antan Producing Limited, has officially launched a new cycle of its Education Sponsorship Programme, supporting 61 young beneficiaries. The initiative marks a significant milestone in the community’s long-term plan to transform Effiat through quality education and human capital development. A Defining Moment for Effiat Community Speaking during the send-forth ceremony held on Friday, 26 September, in Uyo, the Chairman of the Trust, Asuquo Asuquo Okpo, Esq., described the event as a profound symbol of hope for a community that has endured decades of marginalization, resource inequality, and land loss caused by ocean surge. According to him, the programme represents a new beginning: “Today is a turning point. Despite our history of political neglect and the painful erosion of our land, we choose courage over despair. These 61 young people stand as proof that hope, when driven by vision, can change the destiny of any community.” Okpo emphasized that the Trust purposely chose education as the foundation for rebuilding Effiat, drawing lessons from nations like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, where knowledge empowered national transformation. “The tide may sweep away land, but it cannot sweep away knowledge,” he added. “Effiat will not lose its future.” Beyond Scholarships: A Holistic Development Agenda He further announced that the programme goes beyond tuition support. The beneficiaries will undergo a one-week mentorship during the holidays, which seeks to empower the students in leadership, emotional intelligence, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Okpo called for stronger collaboration from partners and regulators: “We appeal to Antan Producing Limited, NUPRC, NUIMS, government institutions, and all stakeholders to help sustain this vision. Raising a generation requires collective commitment.” St. Columbanus Secondary School Pledges Excellence Representing the Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene and Proprietor of St. Columbanus Secondary School, Ikwen, the school’s Principal, Rev. Fr. Emem Umoren, assured the Trust of the school’s commitment to nurturing the beneficiaries. “In six years, these students will emerge as products of discipline and quality education. Parents must join hands with us in prayer and support,” he said. Royal Blessings and Community Expectations The Clan Head/Akara Ikpoto V of Effiat, HRH Obuong Bassey Effiong, commended Antan Producing Limited and the Trust for their investment in the future of Effiat. He further appealed for employment opportunities for graduates of the programme to foster ongoing community growth. Antan Producing Limited Commissions New Office Complex During the event, Antan Producing Limited, represented by Mrs. Awatt Etta, Director of Business Services, unveiled the company’s new office complex. The facility includes a conference centre, offices, library, and a security unit, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to supporting the host community. The ceremony also featured prayers, cultural performances, and goodwill messages from community leaders. Beneficiaries and Parents Express Gratitude Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Master Harmony thanked the Trust and Antan Producing Limited for the opportunity: “We are deeply grateful for this privilege. Thank you for believing in us. We promise to make the community proud.” Parents also celebrated the initiative, noting the relief it brings and the improved quality of education their children will now receive.