A’Ibom Govt Partners Arit Harris Fuller Foundation To Boost Education Sector

… Foundation Donates One Million Books
By Timothy Ekpo
UYO
In pursuance of its drive to encourage sound education in the state, Akwa Ibom Government is partnering the Arit Fuller Foundation Inc. to boost the education sector as the foundation donates one million books to government.
The wife of the governor, Mrs Patience Eno, made this known during a courtesy call on her at Government House by a delegation from the Arit Fuller Harris Foundation, an international organization in New York.
Represented by the by permanent secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Dr Grace Jim, Mrs Eno noted that the donation of one million books and the establishment of libraries across the state by the foundation, upon completion would boost the state’s drive to delivering quality education to Akwa Ibom children as well as promoting the reading culture among them.
“This large number of books and creating libraries, the foundation will be promoting the reading culture among our youths thus arming them with the requisite tools to succeed academically. Again, this is in absolute alignment with and complementary to the ARISE Agenda of our government,” she added.
She stated that the government was currently building model primary schools across the 31 local government areas, fully equipped with learning facilities, free books, sandals, uniforms as well as school bags to all the pupils.
The state first lady explained that the goal was to make the learning environment conducive and attractive for the children and to also ensure that poverty does not deprive any child of the opportunity of acquiring good education.
The governor’s wife who said the partnership was facilitated through her pet project, Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), also stressed that she had no doubts that the partnership would bring a remarkable advancements in various sectors, particularly in the areas of education, agriculture, and health care for the benefits of Akwa Ibom people.
She commended the foundation for its unwavering commitment to the well-being of vulnerable children and for also investing in Akwa Ibom State, as well as accepting to collaborate with the government to add value to its people.
Earlier, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the group and president, Mrs Arit Fuller Harris, said her aim was to work in partnership with government in the area of education as part of her contribution to enhance the literacy of her people through the establishment of libraries across the state.
She also announced that her foundation was planning to build a vocational school in the state which will help people learn and improve on their skills, explaining that acquiring these skills will enable them open businesses for themselves as well as help their families.
Harris attributed her success to God and her resillence, explaining that she decided to come home to honour her people by adding value to them through her foundation.
She listed the books donated to include: books for nurses, encyclopedias, vocational books, bedtime stories for kids, books for toddlers, cooking books, Novels, teachers’ edition which she said could be used to teach children various subjects.
Speaking also, Pastor Babajide Balogun, a sole supporter and accountant of the foundation, disclosed that the foundation was donating 1 million books to the state by way of keying into the educational sector of the ARISE Agenda.
Babajide, who mentioned that he was impressed with the achievements of the Pastor Umo Eno- led government, also expressed his total belief in the vision of the ARISE Agenda.
Highlighting the importance of empowering women and the youths, he mentioned that the foundation was willing and ready to partner the state government through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
Other speakers at the event were George Dahari, the partner and investor as well as Elder Ini James Ikie, permanent secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
High point of the event was the presentation of the books to wife of the governor, Pastor Patience Eno.
In attendance were the permanent secretaries, Civil Service Commission, Edem Selong, Esq; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Mary Ukoette; Ministry of Health, Dr Patrick Eshiet; directors in the Office of the Deputy Governor as well as aides to the governor.