National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, A’IBOM
The Akwa Ibom State Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM) has begun a tour of educational institutions in the state to assess the level of compliance and proficiency in singing the new national anthem.
The EARCOM team, led by Executive Chairman, Dr. Dorothy Thompson, visited several schools, including Secondary School Etoi, West Itam Secondary School, and Bright Future College in Uyo, the state capital.
Dr. Thompson praised the students’ proficiency in singing the new national anthem, describing their performances as impressive.
She also commended the school authorities for effectively teaching students their civic responsibilities.
The EARCOM team also included Board members Hon. Sir Ubong Ekefre, Dr. Tommy Enodien, and Board Secretary Rev. Fr. Barr. John Oscar Ebebe.
They were received by Pastor Joseph Bassey, Principal of Secondary School Etoi; Eld. Isonguyo T. Ekanem, Principal of West Itam Secondary School; and Mr. Anselem N. Effiong, Principal of Bright Future College.
These principals praised EARCOM for leading the campaign for attitudinal change, moral rectitude, and social reorientation in the state.
In her remarks, Dr. Thompson noted that the Commission will continue its efforts to cultivate socially responsible citizens.
She stated that singing the national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee,” which the country has reverted to following presidential assent to a bill from the National Assembly, is a civil obligation that must be upheld.
Thompson called for cooperation from schools and civil society to embrace the new national anthem, urging them to move forward rather than engaging in unproductive debates about the merits of reverting to the post-independence national anthem.
