By Edoamaowo Udeme
It was an atmosphere of celebration and profound gratitude today as the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral I. Abbas officially commissioned a newly renovated and fully furnished 6 x classroom block at Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
The facility, which represents a major educational upgrade, comes complete with a modern staff room, a well-equipped sick bay, and a school canteen.
The project was executed as a Chief of Naval Staff Quick-Impact Project (QIP), specifically designed to deliver immediate, tangible benefits to the host community while fostering civil-military cooperation. Today’s commissioning was held in honour of Rear Admiral S. D. Atakpa, an indigene of Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono, Uyo, celebrating his dedicated service and enduring contributions to the nation.
Before the intervention, the school’s infrastructure faced significant structural challenges, limiting students’ learning potential. Today, the landscape stands transformed.
The upgraded facility boasts several key features aimed at providing a holistic educational environment:
Six Standard Classrooms: Fully renovated, brightly lit, and furnished with modern desks and chairs to ensure a comfortable learning experience.
Dedicated Staff Room: A dignified, furnished space for teachers to prepare lessons, grade assignments, and collaborate.
Sick Bay: Equipped with essential first-aid supplies and beds to handle minor medical emergencies and student health needs during school hours.
Modern Canteen: A hygienic, structured space for students and staff to access meals, moving away from informal, open-air food vendors.
The event drew widespread attendance, including high-ranking naval officers, traditional rulers, community leaders, ecstatic parents, and students waving miniature flags.
Present at the occasion were the principal of the school, Mrs Bridget Bassey, prominent sons and daughters of the village, among whom were the former Commissioner, Federal Character Commission, Obongawan (Pharm) Dora Ebong, Dr. Manasseh Essien, Dr. Clement Usoro, Obong Emem Enefiok Ben Ekpo, (JP)
The Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council was represented by the Secretary of the Council, Mr. Ubong Udofia.
The ceremony concluded with the official cutting of the ribbon by Vice Admiral Abbas, followed by a guided tour of the facilities, marking a bright, secure, and hopeful new chapter for the community’s youth.