The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, has applauded the Nigerian Army for its commitment to educational development through the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Project.

Speaking at the commissioning of the renovated classroom block and WASH facilities at St. Dominic’s Primary School, Mbak Etoi, Uyo, on Monday, Professor Umoh commended the initiative as a reflection of the Army’s dedication to community development and human capital growth.

The project, which includes renovated classroom blocks furnished with desks, staff offices, office furniture, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, was executed by Major General Aniedi Edet, a distinguished son of Mbak Etoi.

“It is commendable to remember one’s roots, as Major General Edet has done today,” the Commissioner said. “This intervention aligns with the ARISE Agenda of the State Governor Pastor (Dr.) Umo Bassey Eno, whose vision is to drive a revolution and total transformation in the education sector.”

The Education Boss further noted that the state government has continued to foster strong civil-military relations through support for military educational institutions, including the Nigerian Navy Military School, Ikot Ntuen, and the Command Science School, Efa Etinan.

He also praised the management and staff of St. Dominic’s Primary School for their commitment to excellence, citing the pupils’ impressive performances at the event as evidence of quality teaching and learning as espoused by the state government.

In his remarks, the project executor, Major General Aniedi Edet, said the renovation of his alma mater, founded in 1935, was inspired by a desire to preserve its legacy. He lamented the loss of historical records and artifacts, describing the project as an effort to “rebuild both the structure and the memory” of the school.

“I remember with nostalgia that St. Dominic’s Primary School was a beacon of learning and hope; a place where knowledge met discipline, and every child was taught not only to read and write, but to dream,” he said. “My motivation is that if no one tells the tale, the ground forgets the footsteps.”

Major General Edet expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. O.O. Oluyede, Governor Umo Eno, and Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for their motivation towards the successful commissioning of the project.

Representatives of the Chief of Army Staff, Taraba State Governor, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, as well as the Executive Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udoh, and Chairman of Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Sir Anietie Eka, also delivered goodwill messages, describing the intervention project as a model of sustainable community partnership.

The event featured cultural and academic performances, donations to the school, staff and pupils, also awards of recognition to outstanding military, political, and educational figures.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Archbishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Uyo, Archbishop John Ene Kokobassey; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Fire Service, Pastor Ignatius Ekwere; Permanent Secretary, SUBEB, Mrs. Roseline Mfon, Ph.D.; the Clan Head of Etoi, Eteidung Boniface; military officers and their spouses; and several education and political stakeholders.

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