22/05/2025
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
EKET STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (EKSA) WORLDWIDE
PRESS STATEMENT
May 22, 2025
OFFICIAL ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT, EKSA WORLDWIDE ON THE EKET STUDENTS’ BURSARY MATTER
Dear Eket Students and the General Public,
I extend my warmest regards and fundamental appreciation to all who have remained steadfast in their commitment to the growth and welfare of Eket students.
The attention of the leadership of EKSA Worldwide has been drawn to various misrepresentations currently making rounds in the media space concerning the recent disbursement of the Eket Students’ Bursary.
Permit me therefore to not only address the concerns raised but to reassure us that leadership of EKSA is poised at continually clamoring for the welfare of her students home and away.
Amidst the understandable concerns that followed the initial phase of the bursary disbursement, particularly the sum of ₦7,000 issued in the first tranche — it became imperative to provide context rooted in truth and clarity. In the course of internal engagement and dialogue, it emerged that this decision emanated from the office of the Supervisor of Education, taken independently and without the prior knowledge of the Executive Chairman and leadership of the students community.
The supervisor of Education acted alone without the involvement of the the students community as the leadership was clearly exempted from the committee sorting the bursary and handling the disbursement. Furthermore, the dean of supervisors charged the supervisor of education to work with the students to ensure a smooth process of which he didn’t take heed, this prompted the leadership to commence transition plans as we were totally in the dark regarding the bursary modalities.
The Eket local government Chairman, Hon. Akaninyene Tommey who was not privy to the details ordered an immediate comprehensive review of the process, a gesture that calmed the storm, restored confidence, and reaffirmed his steadfast devotion to the wellbeing of Eket students.
Exercising both wisdom and humility, Hon. Tommey immediately initiated a comprehensive review of the process: a swift intervention that will bring hope, relief and satisfaction to our students.
It is worthy of note that the leadership of EKSA is fully aware of the present economy and it’s harsh effect on the students thus can never be party to the payment of such amount. On this note, we choose to walk the path of understanding and resolution, knowing that we can achieve more if we do it together.
As the review process unfolds, I wish to assure all students and the general public that transparency remains our guiding principle. We will provide timely updates, and we remain committed to a process that is fair, inclusive, and just.
In the same spirit, we respectfully appeal to the students community, the media and other concerned bodies to exercise their platforms with discernment and professionalism. This is a time to promote unity, not discord, to speak with accuracy and not assumptions. Let us use our words to build and not to break; to inform, not to inflame.
My fellow students,I appeal for continued calm, trust, and solidarity. Let us draw strength from one another and uphold the values that have long defined us. In Eket Local government area, we are blessed with leaders who do not rule from a distance but walk among us; listening, acting, and standing firm.
Let us remember: moments of trial often reveal the truest character of our leaders, and in this moment, my heart remains steadfastly with you, my own people. Please let's be assured that the ongoing review will sort out the differences and balance the equation.
God bless Eksa Worldwide
Yours in Service,
Comr. Torobong Obot
President, EKSA Worldwide.
