By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has reiterated the commitment of his administration at ensuring that every child in the state has access to quality education and welfare support that will make him or her become the best in future career.
Eno made the pledge recently during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held at the Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo, the state capital.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh also declared that his administration would continue to prioritise inclusive education, child protection and the overall wellbeing of children across the state.
He described education as a critical social equaliser capable of shaping responsible citizens and future leaders, stressing that government would continue to invest in policies and programmes that guarantee access to learning opportunities for all children.
“The focus of this administration is to ensure that every public school rises to the potential where every child can become the best version of himself or herself,” Eno stated.
The Governor noted that the participation of pupils from both public and private schools at the event reflected government’s deliberate effort to bridge educational gaps and promote equal opportunities for every child in the state.
He said the state government has continued to strengthen the education sector through the establishment of model schools equipped with ICT laboratories, books, uniforms and other learning materials aimed at improving the standard of teaching and learning.
According to him, education in Akwa Ibom remains free, compulsory and qualitative, adding that the administration is determined to remove barriers preventing children from accessing education.
The Governor further disclosed that government has intensified child welfare interventions through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to support vulnerable and underprivileged children across the state.
He explained that several children rescued from difficult conditions had been rehabilitated, enrolled in schools and provided opportunities to compete favourably with their peers.
He also stressed the need for cultural and moral education, maintaining that children should not only excel academically but also remain connected to their cultural heritage and values.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, said the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” aligns with the state government’s commitment to inclusive and child-centred development.
Etukudo highlighted some of the administration’s child-focused policies, including free medical care for children between ages zero and five, distribution of electronic learning tablets to students in public secondary schools, and the construction of model primary schools across the 31 local government areas of the state.
She said the sustained investments in education and healthcare demonstrate Governor Eno’s determination to build a stronger future for Akwa Ibom children.
The commissioner commended the governor for his continued support for children in government care homes and also appreciated the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for supporting children through the GIFA Back-to-School Programme.
The event featured march pasts, cultural displays, performances by pupils and presentations by the Children’s Parliament, with participation from public and private schools across the state.
