CRBDA MD urges graduating students to drive Nigeria’s future, lauds school’s academic excellence
By Akpan David, Calabar
The Managing Director of the Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA), Mrs. Glory Ekpo-Oho, has urged graduating students of the authority’s secondary school in Calabar to remain focused on their studies and prepare themselves to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
Ekpo-Oho gave the charge yesterday during the 2026 graduation and prize-giving ceremony of CRBDA Secondary School, where 57 students completed their secondary education.
She expressed confidence that the graduands would distinguish themselves in higher institutions, describing them as Nigeria’s future engineers, doctors, architects and other professionals.
The CRBDA boss said the school had continued to rank among the country’s leading secondary schools, citing the outstanding performance of one of its female students in the recent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), where she scored among the highest marks nationwide.
She commended the school’s management, principal and teachers for maintaining high academic standards and encouraged them to sustain the culture of excellence for the benefit of the students and the nation.
Chairman of the occasion, Princess Maria Oben, advised the graduating students to remain God-fearing, hardworking and disciplined, warning them against activities capable of tarnishing the reputation of their families and alma mater.
In an address delivered on behalf of the Principal, Lady Florence Odok, the Vice Principal, Mrs. Itoro Williams, described the event as a celebration of the school’s 12 years of steady growth and academic achievements.
Odok noted that the secondary school, established in 2014 as an extension of the authority’s nursery and primary school, has continued to record impressive academic and moral successes through the support of CRBDA management, staff and parents.
The ceremony also featured the unveiling and launch of the school’s maiden yearbook, compiled by Education Consultant Mrs. Glory Ntuk, while outstanding graduating students, teachers and non-teaching staff received awards for excellence.
Master Ekong Benedict Moses delivered the valedictory speech on behalf of the graduating class.
As pre-events to the Graduation and Prize Giving Day Celebration, the Graduating Students went on excursions to the state House of Assembly and Nigerian Correctional Service Centre, Afokang.
A Bonding/Appreciation Day was also organized for them, their parents and teachers.
