Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive education, child protection, and the overall welfare of children, declaring that every child in the state deserves equal opportunity to succeed regardless of social or economic background.
The Governor made the declaration through the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh, during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Addressing pupils, teachers, parents, and education stakeholders at the event, Prof. Umoh said Governor Eno remains deeply passionate about the future of children and has continued to place education and child development at the centre of the ARISE Agenda.
According to him, the administration believes education remains a major social equaliser capable of producing responsible citizens and future leaders.
“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,” he stated.
Prof. Umoh noted that the seamless participation of pupils from both public and private schools during the celebration reflected government’s deliberate efforts to bridge educational gaps and provide equal opportunities for all children, adding that the state government has continued to invest in educational infrastructure through the establishment of model schools equipped with ICT laboratories, books, uniforms, and other learning materials.
The Commissioner stated that education in Akwa Ibom remains free, compulsory, and qualitative, stressing that government was committed to eliminating barriers that prevent children from accessing learning opportunities.
Speaking further, Prof. Umoh said the administration has also strengthened child welfare programmes through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to support vulnerable and underprivileged children across the state, explaining that several children rescued from difficult conditions had been rehabilitated, enrolled in school, and given opportunities to compete favourably with their peers.
He further emphasised the importance of cultural and moral education, noting that children must not only excel academically but also remain rooted in their cultural heritage and values.
Also speaking at the event, the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. (Mrs.) Inibehe Silas Etukudo, said the theme of the celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” aligned with government’s commitment to inclusiveness and child-centred development and highlighted several child-focused policies of the administration, including free medical care for children aged zero to five years and the distribution of electronic learning tablets to students in public secondary schools.
Etukudo also identified the construction and equipping of model primary schools across the 31 local government areas as one of the landmark achievements of Governor Eno’s administration.
According to her, the government’s sustained investments in education and healthcare demonstrate its determination to build a strong foundation for the future of Akwa Ibom children.
The Women Affairs Commissioner commended Governor Eno for his continued support for children in government care homes, describing him as compassionate and committed to the welfare of vulnerable children.
She equally appreciated the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for her support toward children through the “GIFA Back-to-School Programme.”
The event featured cultural displays, march past, performances by pupils, and presentation by the Children’s Parliament, with participation from public and private schools across the state.
