Ibom Developers FZE recently demonstrated its commitment to community development by donating essential school supplies to pupils of Government Primary School, Ute Etok. The donation, which included school uniforms, bags, water bottles, sandals, and other items, was warmly received by the school community.
Pupils, parents, teachers, community leaders, and local government representatives all expressed appreciation for the gesture, with many admitting that affording basic school items had long been a struggle.
Pastor Saturday Paul Ikpo, Headmaster of the school, expressed deep gratitude, noting the timely nature of the support.
“I am grateful—though words alone can’t express how I feel. One of our biggest challenges has been providing uniforms for pupils. Today, Ibom Developers has come to our aid. This is a huge relief for many parents who couldn’t afford school bags, uniforms, or sandals. I am sincerely grateful for this kind gesture.”
The Education Secretary of Oruk Anam Local Education Authority, Mrs. Ofonime Nsikak Umoh, praised Ibom Developers for aligning with the vision of the Akwa Ibom State Government on free and quality education, adding that the gesture “is one that speaks to the future of our children and, by extension, the future of Akwa Ibom State. I commend the company and urge them to also assist with other pressing needs in the school.”
In his remarks, the Village Head of Ute Etok, Eteidung Akpan Sunday Ukere, described the donation as “a gift born out of love for the future.”
“We deeply appreciate what Ibom Developers has done. This gift will encourage regular school attendance. It brings joy to parents, to me as their traditional ruler, and to the entire village. I urge both pupils and their parents to take good care of the items.”
Also present at the event was Hon. Uwemedimo Ufot Udousoro, Councillor representing the ward, who described the gesture as “a seed sown into the future.”
“This intervention will enable our children to attend school with pride and joy. What I see here today gives me hope—that one day, a future manager or top executive of Ibom Developers may emerge from Ute Etok. That’s the kind of long-term vision the company is planting.”
Speaking on behalf of the company, Mr. Harry Paul Essien, Base Manager at Ibom Developers FZE, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to the growth and welfare of its host communities.
“We can not operate here without developing the people and the environment around us. Ute Etok is one of several communities we are working with, and this isn’t our only programme. We will do more—and every pupil in this school will benefit from our continued interventions. I encourage the children to use these items well and take their education seriously.”
On her part, Ms. Grace Inyang, Community Development Programme Coordinator at the Ikot Abasi-based oil company—Ibom Developers FZE—emphasized that the donation is part of a long-term commitment to building a solid foundation for learning.
“We are very intentional about this. We know that early childhood learning is where the foundation is laid. That’s why we’re providing bags, sandals, pencils, sharpeners, and more. We may not solve every problem today, but we are committed to being consistent. We’ve been here before, and we will continue to return.”
She added that the initiative is part of the company’s broader mission to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with its host communities.
The event ended with chants of gratitude and beaming smiles from pupils, all of whom immediately tried on their new items. Parents were visibly moved, expressing heartfelt appreciation for the relief the gesture has brought to their families.
This initiative adds to the growing list of community-focused programmes by Ibom Developers FZE, which continues to demonstrate that its presence in the state goes beyond industrial expansion to include genuine investment in education, healthcare, job creation, and youth empowerment.
As the pupils of Government Primary School, Ute Etok step into their classrooms wearing new uniforms and carrying new school bags, they do so with renewed hope and a sense of purpose—thanks to a company that is building not just infrastructure, but futures.
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