…Awards Outstanding Teachers
The Village Teacher, Mr Joseph Effiong, has celebrated his 40th birthday with the launch of the Golden Innovation Hub, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre established to equip schoolchildren in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, with digital skills.
The celebration, held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Ceedapeg Hotel, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, was themed “Inspire, Build and Leave a Legacy.”
Beyond the birthday festivities, the event featured educational support for approximately 40–45 tertiary students, awards of ₦50,000 each to four outstanding teachers, and the launch of the ICT hub at Golden Schools, Ibaka.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Anthony Andem, said the celebration was deliberately designed to go beyond merrymaking by investing in education, recognising excellence in teaching and creating opportunities for young people.
He explained that the initiatives reflected the belief that the true measure of a person’s life lies not merely in the years lived but in the positive impact made on others.
In his keynote address, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emem Umoren charged participants to live purposeful lives, inspire others through their actions and invest in initiatives that would benefit future generations.
The cleric emphasised the importance of building a lasting legacy through selfless service, responsibility and meaningful contributions to community development.
The major highlight was the official launch of the Golden Innovation Hub, which aims to expand access to digital education and equip schoolchildren in Ibaka with relevant technology skills.
The planning committee also disclosed that efforts were underway to raise 40 laptops for the centre to support its vision of preparing pupils for opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven world.
In his response, the celebrant, Mr Joseph Effiong, expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of life and the opportunity to attain the age of 40.
He thanked the planning committee, government appointees, education stakeholders, friends, family members and well-wishers whose financial, material and moral contributions made the celebration and its accompanying initiatives possible.
Effiong expressed particular appreciation to those who supported the establishment of the Golden Innovation Hub, the educational assistance for tertiary students and the recognition of outstanding teachers.
He said the initiatives reflected his commitment to promoting education, inspiring young people and creating opportunities for children to acquire the knowledge and digital skills needed to succeed in a changing world.
The celebrant expressed hope that the ICT centre would become a lasting investment in the educational development of children in Ibaka and neighbouring communities.
The event also featured goodwill messages from government appointees, friends and well-wishers, who congratulated Effiong on his milestone birthday and commended his decision to mark the occasion with initiatives focused on education and youth development.
