Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has pledged the sum of N50 million to support the Oron Union educational foundation.
Oron Union is the sociopolitical organisation of the Oron ethnic nationality in the state.
Eno donated the grand finale of the union’s centenary celebration held at the Oron Civic Centre on Saturday.
:To add to that, the government has decided to support the education foundation of the Oron Union because it is education that raised it to the level it is today. We are supporting with the sum of N50 million to help develop the youth for future education’, Eno said
The governor, who was represented by the political leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob, highlighted the achievements of the union, noting that the Oron people are more cohesive and industrious than ever before.
He said, ‘For the past 100 years, Oron Union has defined and projected its unique social and cultural ethos, kindred spirits and unity of the Oron people while working with other socio-cultural groups to foster unity and development of the state.
‘Today, because of the great work of this union, the people of Oron nation are more cohesive and making great strides in all facets of human development’.
Eno promised to run an inclusive government where all ethnic nationalities in the state are accorded equal opportunities in governance.
He said his administration has executed several projects across the state including the Oron Maritime Shore Protection projects.
In her remarks, the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who hails from the Oron nation, described the centenary celebration as not just a celebration of the past but a testament to the strides of identity and a promise of the future of the Oron people.
She lauded the unity and the spirit of togetherness that have defined the Oron Union and prayed for the same spirit to continue with you younger generations.
In his welcome address, the President-General of the Oro Union, Essang Bassey said since the formation of the group, it has remained committed to discussing issues of common interest and how to contribute funds for the education of their young compatriots.
He announced a scholarship award to over 100 persons marking the centenary celebration of the union.
‘In the area of education, the union has established two Secondary Schools, one at Enwang in Mbo Local Government and the other at Nsie in Okobo Local Government.
‘Scholarships, which have been promoted by our founding fathers, have continued to be a recurring decimal in all union activities. Today we are reinvigorating it as part of the anniversary.
‘We shall award 100 scholarships to mark the 100 years of existence of the union. A special fund is being created for that. The beneficiaries will be announced at this year’s Annual General Meeting in December’, Essang said.
