Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Vcare for Development Foundation, VCDF, in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government and supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited, SEEPCO, has completed the renovation and infrastructure upgrade at Community Secondary School, Iko Town, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
The intervention, executed under VCDF’s Model School Initiative Programme, delivered the renovation of 18 classrooms across four blocks, eight offices, a library block, construction of male and female toilet facilities, elevated walkways, rehabilitation of two boreholes, and the installation of solar power.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh, who represented the State Government, applauded VCDF and SEEPCO for transforming education infrastructure in the community.
“I commend the foresight and commitment of Vcare for Development Foundation, alongside the support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Ltd, in making public schools more attractive. This initiative aligns with the vision of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, under the broader Arise Agenda,” Prof. Umoh said.
The commissioner urged community leaders and school authorities to safeguard the facilities against vandalism, stressing that the intervention would enhance literacy levels and improve educational outcomes.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the State Secondary Education Board, Dr. Ekaete Okon, praised the project as a direct boost to teaching and learning.
“They have renovated and constructed new infrastructure for the school, which aligns with the Education component of His Excellency’s Arise Agenda. I encourage the principal and staff of this school to safeguard these facilities and put them to effective use,” Dr. Okon remarked.
The school Principal, Dr. Ekerette Akpan, alongside teachers and students, expressed deep appreciation for the intervention, noting that the upgraded infrastructure would significantly improve learning conditions. However, they appealed for further assistance in building a drainage system to address recurring flooding on the school premises.
Students, represented by the head boy and head girl, described the new classroom blocks as giving the school a “much-needed facelift,” and thanked VCDF and SEEPCO for their support.
