The chairman, Akwa Ibom Polytechnic Alumni Association, AK-PALA, Caretaker Committee, Dr Godwin Benson, has called on parents to take advantage of the numerous technical and entrepreneurial courses offered in the institution to chart an independent future for the children/guardians.

 Benson gave the advice when he addressed a cross section of Uyo Chapter of the association during a reception, after the group’s annual thanksgiving service at Insight Bible Church, Paul Ekpeowo Street, Anua, Uyo, recently.

Benson, who was the special guest of honour at the event, said with the accreditation of more technical and entrepreneurial courses including Artificial Intelligence, Mechatronics, Survey and Geo-informatics, Environmental Science and Management Technology, Petroleum Marketing, Crime Management as well as Banking and Finance, the AkwaPoly has been positioned to train students in courses that would make them relevant in the emerging economy.

The President, Uyo chapter of the Akwa Ibom Polytechnic Alumni Association, AK-PALA, Comrade Aniekan Ankoh (left) with a cross section of his members at the just concluded thanksgiving service of the chapter at Insight Bible Church, Paul Ekpeowo Street, Anua, Uyo Local Government Area, recently.

The veteran journalist commended the rector of the institution, Dr Moses Umobong and his management team for bringing innovations, expertise and responsible leadership to bear in the running of the institution, which, he said, has made AkwaPoly the second best Polytechnic in the country.

He said the alumni association has endorsed the numerous efforts of the rector towards sanitizing the institution and would encourage him to do more to add value to the institution and its certificates.

Benson also applauded the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, for his commitment to the development of the education sector, most importantly, the recent release of funds for the accreditation of courses in the AkwaPoly.

He called on the governor, as the visitor to the polytechnic, to use his good offices and do more for the polytechnic as the supplier of the needed middle manpower development of the state.

The AK-PALA helmsman commended the president of Uyo Chapter of the association for seeing the need to thank God, saying, it was one of the ways God uses to bless His people.

He appreciated the Board of Incorporated Trustees, BOIT, of the association, headed by Mr Nse Bassey for setting up a  Caretaker Committee, describing the Committee as a child of circumstance, adding that, very soon, a Constitution amendment, project implementation and others committees would be inaugurated.

Benson solicited the support and cooperation of members, urging the different chapters of the association to embark on more membership drive, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Earlier at the Church, the president, Uyo chapter of the Alumni Association, Comrade Aniekan Ankoh, who quoted John 6:11 and Psalms 92:5, said God has been very faithful to the chapter throughout the year, hence, the need for the thanksgiving.

Pastor Otobong Akpabio, in his homily, themed: “Don’t Give Up,” encouraged worshipers never to relent in forging ahead despite existing challenges, adding that people who make headway were not those who waited for opportunity but those who created opportunity and made value from it.

The thanksgiving by the Uyo Chapter of AK-PALA also coincided with that of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSON, which also took place at the same Church.

Highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to three distinguished members of the chapter, namely: Comrades Ifiok Ekanem, Ubokudom Etuk and  Saviour Iyakndue as well as dinning, winning and exchange of banters.