For the first time in recent years ,the grand finale of independence day celebration was marked in Akwa Ibom state with few schools participating in the usual match past.
Investigations by National Witness reveal that very many schools in Etinan and ONNA Local Government Areas due to the high cost of fuel among other things could not attend this year’s celebration.
Petro sells between N1,200 and N1300 per liter which has tripled the cost of transportation in the state.
It was also observed that unlike previous years including the 2024 children’s day celebration, there was no rehearsal in some of the schools monitored.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a principal of a public school in ONNA said it was impossible for him to hire a bus that will convey his student and staff to the stadium at a time subvention to schools has not been paid.
“There is no point pretending anymore in this country. Things are hard and certain celebrations should be faced out or made optional.
“Are we going to the stadium to celebrate the high cost of fuel or the rising cost of living in the country? What are we celebrating at 64? There is nothing to celebrate except the political leaders want to continue in self deception by going to the stadium to take salute.”
The head teacher also wondered why September salary has not been paid to teachers in secondary schools, saying, this has also contributed to dampen the zeal of teachers.
In Etinan Local Government Area, a school proprietor who did not want his name mentioned said he did not know the October 1st celebration will take place as he never received invitation from the government as usual.
“Apart from not receiving an official invitation, things are too difficult and we are just trying to settle in for the new academic session. So this is not a time to spend the little income which already has an over blown budget on such frivolities like going to the stadium at a very high cost”.
At the state capital the event was held indoors at the prestigious Ibom hall where the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi PhD, read the president’s address while the secretary to the state government, Prince Enobong Uwah delivered the governor’s message.
