EDUCATION

MANY TROOP IN TO THANK GOD WITH PROF. GRACE EKONG 

...As Don Advocate For Female - Child  Education 

By Julius Nsikak 

Prof. Ekong 

It was  a joyous moment as people trooped  out  enmasse to celebrate and return thanks to God with Prof. Grace Ekong on her promotion to the rank of a full professor.

The thanksgiving  service took place Sunday  21st  July, 2024 at the House of God Caring Mission  International, New Station  Road, Nung Oku Ibesikpo in Uyo.

The General Overseer of the host church, Prophet Aniekan Obioku, thanked God for the life of Prof. Ekong, illustrated the thanksgiving to the biblical action a leper took to thank Jesus Christ after he was healed of leprosy. 

He said the thanksgiving is a door opener for more testimonies and goodnews to set in and encouraged everyone present to always appreciate God for new things so as to attract blessings from God. 

The clergy man, also prayed that God should help Prof. Ekong to succeed in her pedagogy functions.

He tasked participants who are in the pedagogy business to remain steadfast and dutiful in the discharge of their responsibilities, while told them to wait patiently for God's appointed time, said it is the best.

Addressing the congregation ,  the Vice Chancellor of University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, expressed visible elation for the timely promotion of Prof. Ekong, remarked her academics struggle to climb to the professorial ranks.

The Vice Chancellor, UNIUYO, Prof. Ndaeyo  posing with Prof. Ekong and others 

He appreciated everyone who took from their time to grace the thanksgiving service and prayed for God's visitation and inexplicable promotion upon the lives of others.

The Academic, urged  parents to prioritise female child education and as well, advised  them to give adequate supports to ensure that nothing deter their future. He lauded the promoted professor, for deeming it fit to thank God and  whispered to support the services in the Lord's vineyard.

Expressing gratitude, Prof. Ekong, who is the first female professor of music in Akwa Ibom and Cross River State , thanked God for elevating her to the position she is now.

According to her, " I have seen it all, from my childhood till now, most of my hard experiences only but made me stronger, fearless and optimistic that all things work for good to those who love the Lord.

As a woman, I have struggled to register my name on the sands of time. Here, I am, a professor of music.

Expressing excitement, the professor, poured accolades on everyone for making her day eventful, admonished parents to equate opportunities for both male and female children, while telling them to invest even more in female child education and welfare.

Earlier, Prof. Ekong's brother, Dr Ime Ekong, remarked that his sister has indeed passed the examination life presented to her, congratulated her for making the entire family proud.

"When she finished primary six and our father wanted to send my sister through secondary school, many persons tried discouraging him, but he insisted.

A lot of parents hitherto, are still suffering ignorance of knowledge, but not for enlightened parents who ensure that their female children get equal benefits as the male .

Women are fighting for 35 percents  increase of everything. The mothers contribute greater part of a child's intellectual quotient, as such the government should ensure that female children get equal opportunities in school, business and family affairs. If you train a woman, you are training a nation," he explained.

Women Professors Forum 

At the reception, the Social  Secretary of Senior Staff  Club, UNIUYO, Pharm. Akwaowo, remarked that Prof. Ekong has contributed greatly in the pedagogy business, described the song mistress as a hardworking woman, noted that her dedication in her profession will forever be on  record.

Meanwhile, a leading legend and Former Deputy Vice Chancellor, UNIUYO, Prof. Trenchard Ibia  and the Welfare Officer, Women  Professors  Forum, Prof. Mfonobong  Umobong, thanked God for Prof. Ekong's promotion and congratulated her.

The event was attended by men and women from the academic world, students of music department, UNIUYO and many others.