The 2025 birthday celebration of Senator Ekong Sampson climaxed yesterday at St. Vincent Secondary School, Otioro, Okobo Local Government Area with the lawmaker announcing ₦100 million grant to support students and another ₦500 million investment in sports projects across schools in Akwa Ibom South.

Senator Sampson, who is Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), also donated customized exercise books, footballs, and other materials to schools visited in the area, including Methodist Senior Science College, Oron, and Comprehensive Secondary School, Ekeya, Okobo.

Accompanied by his wife and children, the Senator engaged students in an interactive session, offering tips on essay writing and recalling his personal achievement of earning a distinction (A1) in English during his school days.

He further pledged to strengthen educational infrastructure in the zone, promising perimeter fencing and a fully equipped ICT/CBT Centre at St. Vincent Secondary School, alongside similar centres at Excellence College, Ikot Unya (Mkpat Enin) and St. Francis Secondary School, Ikot Ataku (Eket).

Highlighting WAEC’s imminent shift from paper-based to computer-based examinations, Senator Sampson said his interventions are targeted at preparing Akwa Ibom South students to meet global standards in learning and competition.

The event drew political leaders, party stalwarts, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders, including representatives of the PDP, Okobo local government officials, and the Paramount Ruler of Okobo, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Ita Okokon (represented by Chief Asukwo Ibok).

The Chief Host, Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey, commended Senator Sampson’s far-reaching interventions in education, healthcare, and power, assuring him of Okobo people’s full support for his re-election bid.

Goodwill messages poured in from Engr. Benedict Ukpong, Federal Commissioner at the National Population Commission, Abuja; Chief Barr. Effiong Abia, former Commissioner; and Sir Adasi Obolum, former state legislator, all commending the Senator’s developmental strides.

The celebration concluded with a reception at Princess Bassey’s residence, where guests were entertained in an atmosphere of goodwill and solidarity.