Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has disclosed that massive rehabilitation of public secondary schools, including provision of staff quarters and critical infrastructure as done in model primary schools, is a major target of the state of emergency declared in the education sector.
Governor Eno stated this on Friday, October 16, 2026, during a special celebration ceremony organized for his French Language teacher at St. Francis Secondary School, Eket, Mr. Agbor Moore.
The Governor said he recalled with nostalgia how Mr. Moore lived in the staff quarters while teaching, which enabled him to concentrate, bond properly and impact positively on students.
He revealed that he got information from the Alumni platform that Mr. Moore, a Cameroonian married to an Okon Eket woman, was in the State for the funeral of his in-law, and decided alongside the Alumni Association to specially celebrate him for his years of sacrifice.
Governor Eno thanked his former teacher for shaping his life, introducing him to French Language and inculcating social discipline in him and his schoolmates.
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“Mr. Moore taught us French about 50 years ago, and he lived in the teachers’ quarters. That’s one of the things we intend to achieve with the State of Emergency in the education sector. We are going to extend staff quarters to our secondary schools.
“Teachers’ reward should start here on earth. We thank you for teaching us French and the discipline instilled in us. I am happy that you are alive and strong. I pray that God will continue to bless and keep you in good health,” Eno said.
He commended the school’s Alumni Association for organizing the celebration, stressing the importance of celebrating teachers while alive.
The Governor also commiserated with Corps members serving in St. Francis who came out to receive him over the death of a young Akwa Ibom Corps member who served in Enugu, urging them to take their health seriously and take advantage of the State’s 24-hour emergency ambulance service when necessary.
In his response, Mr. Moore, who was visibly elated, commended Governor Eno for his rare show of humility and gratitude, describing the gesture as a lesson to the world on the value of gratitude and respect for teachers.
“In a world where many forget so soon, you have remembered the path through which you passed. You have honoured not only me, but the entire teaching profession. You have shown that time cannot erase the bond between a good teacher and his student,” he said.
He lauded the Governor for his leadership strides, including stimulation of the economy through support for small businesses, farmers and entrepreneurs, compassionate homes for the poor, prompt payment of workers and retirees’ entitlements, and maintenance of peace.
Stakeholders of Eket including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, Professor Etie Ben Akpan and the Clan Head of Okon, HH Akpabio Ekpoton, appreciated the Governor for the unprecedented gesture and his developmental projects in Eket, assuring him of their support for his second term.
Earlier, President of St. Francis Alumni Association, Mr. Sam Uko, appreciated the Governor for honouring their former teacher and for representing the association well in governance.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters; members of the State Executive Council; captains of industry and other government functionaries.
