*Eulogizes chairman/CEO of IDOFED group for his lofty initiatives
Friday, December 6, 2024, will remain indelible in the annals of history and a watershed moment for educational advancement and human capital development in Akwa Ibom State and south-south geopolitical zone.
On that momentous day, Oku Ibom Ibibio and the President General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon D. Etuk, JP, CFR, formally performed the groundbreaking for IDOFED Polytechnic – as part of his collaborative efforts towards human and community development.
The landmark event marked the formal commencement of the institution’s construction, heralding a new era of academic excellence and opportunities.
IDOFED Polytechnic, situated at Ikot Abasi Ufat, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, aims to become the most creative institution in technology education, offering a holistic learning experience that covers mental health needs with comprehensive support, enhancing physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being through a technology-driven, computer-based system.
The groundbreaking ceremony drew a diverse assembly of dignitaries, traditional fathers led by Oku Ibom Ibibio, religious leaders, and stakeholders from across Nigeria.
According to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of IDOFED Group, Pastor Idongesit James Ekanem, in his address, revealed that the acronym IDOFED, stands for Idongesit Foundation For Education and Development; a vision conceived in the year 2000, following his graduation from university.
After years of meticulous planning and unwavering commitment, the groundbreaking initiative has finally come to fruition in 2024.
“This foundation was conceived in the year 2000 after my graduation from the University and it becomes a reality in 2024”.
“Its aim was to be a platform where my community will be assisted and given a face-lift”.
“In my sojourn for greener pastures across the globe, I have always had my people at the back of my mind and this is what has led to the numerous things I have done and attracted to my community and its environs,” Ekanem stated.
The Premier monarch, in his remarks, commended Pastor Ekanem for his extraordinary foresight and leadership in founding an institution of higher learning in his community, observing that the groundbreaking initiative not only underscores Pastor Ekanem’s unwavering commitment to education and community development, but also sets a shining example of transformative leadership, philanthropy, and social responsibility.
Furthermore, Oku Ibom Ibibio, who is also the Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), explained that by providing access to quality higher education, Pastor Ekanem’s institutions is posed to empower generations of young people, drive socio-economic growth and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the community.
“Akwa Ibom I-song o! It’s indeed my pleasure to witness an historical groundbreaking ceremony of IDOFED Polytechnic today”.
“Though, it is raining here, but here we are to do the needful, which is the groundbreaking for IDOFED polytechnic “.
“If the people of this community have never experienced such a rapid transformation before, IDOFED is here is stay”.
“I hereby call on the people of Nsit Ubium, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria, to make good use of this opportunity and enroll In this institution of learning,” Ntenyin Etuk enjoined.
Prayers were offered by the monarch for the leadership of the institution, a solemn and heartfelt invocation seeking divine guidance, wisdom, and blessings upon the institution and its leaders.
The highpoints of the event included the presentation of an outstanding award to Oku Ibom Ibibio in recognition of his exceptional contributions to cultural heritage preservation and human/community development.
Lastly, the Akwa Ibom’s premier royal father performed the official groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement construction of IDOFED Polytechnic, a momentous occasion marking the beginning of a new era of educational excellence in Ikot Abasi Ufat, Nsit Ubium LGA, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large.
