Gov Eno instructs remodelling of Secondary School in Ikono

The Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, has instructed the remodelling of Urban Secondary School Ibiaku in Ikono Local Government Area of the State.

Governor Eno gave the directive on Thursday, March 6 at the funeral of the late Madam Catherine Benstone, mother of his Special Assistant on Protocol, Mr. Elijah George, at Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, Ikono Local Government Area also promised to roof and fence the local Catholic Church which, he learned, was the wish of the deceased in her lifetime.

Justifying his decision, the Governor said the Urban Secondary School’s renovation was to honor the memory of the deceased and in appreciation for the loyalty and dedication he has enjoyed from her son, Elijah, who is an alumnus of the school.

According to the Governor, though he never met the Late Catherine Benstone, his perception of the quality of life and disposition of her son are testimonies to the great woman that she must have been in her lifetime, adding that the blessing of having a son who can give her a befitting burial, with the honor of a state government entourage in attendance, affirms God’s honor for her.

“We have just come to show solidarity. I lost my mother, too, and I can tell how painful it is, but let our presence give you that comfort and strength that you are not alone. If your mother has left you behind and you can put all these together and attract all of these dignitaries to her funeral by your lifestyle and the things you do, I believe that your mother has left a memorable legacy behind you.

“That is the comfort you should get. So, on behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I condole with you and your family and pray that God will give you the fortitude to bear the loss.

“George wants the Urban Secondary School he attended to be renovated, so to honor you and to honor the memory of your mother, the SSA on Special Duties, Barrister Morgan Ekanem, will come and assess it, and we will do it; just to ensure that we honor today.”

He further encouraged his aide to be consoled that his mother departed the earth with great legacies, which have been affirmed by the testimonies of the Church and the array of dignitaries that turned out to grace her funeral, restating his commitment to identify with his team members irrespective of class.

The Chief celebrant of the funeral mass, Reverend Moses Patrick Sade, on behalf of the Church, attested to the godliness of Madam Catherine Benstone in her lifetime, as well as her dedication to service to God and humanity.

The cleric also commended Governor Eno’s leadership disposition and remarkable strides in various sectors, describing his ARISE Agenda as a well-tailored development blueprint that aligns the State with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.