In observance of the International Day of Education, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, Sancta Riviera Deck, Uyo, actively participated in the global initiative to promote inclusive and equitable education, especially for the underprivileged and marginalised communities.
With the global theme “learning for lasting peace”, the National Association of Seadogs (Sancta Riviera Deck) on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, conducted free Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration for 15 indigent students from Afaha Oku Village, Oku Clan, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the village where the NAS Anchor Point, Uyo Chapter, is located. This was carried out in line with one of the core mandates of the Confraternity, which is to support charitable causes and inline with the UNESCO recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development, especially in a world marred by increasing conflicts, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and hate speeches.
This initiative was aimed not only to provide educational support to children from Afaha Oku Village but also to strengthen ties with the host community, emphasising the crucial role of education in actualising a peaceful society.
Expressing gratitude, the village head of Afaha Oku Village, Eteidung Emmanuel Michael Eka, acknowledged the association’s care and commitment to education, thanking them for the opportunity given to the 15 children registered free of charge for the 2024 JAMB Examination. He lauded the association for leading by example and helping to contribute to the positive upliftment of the Oku community with yearly impactful projects such as medical outreach and various social reorientation programmes.
During the event, Hon. Michael Ekpo, the President of the National Association of Seadogs, Uyo Chapter, elucidated the significance of the International Day of Education to the world, stressing that education forms the foundation of a better society. He encouraged the beneficiaries to be dedicated to their studies, ensuring excellent performance in examinations to secure university admission. Hon. Ekpo seized the opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the National Association of Seadogs to impacting humanity by engaging in charitable deeds, advocating for a peaceful society as well as continually joining hands with like-minded individuals and organisations to fight against ills militating against the attainment of a just and equitable society.
In heartfelt appreciation, some of the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to NAS for supporting their educational dreams. This benevolent gesture by NAS reflects its commitment to ideals that promote education and empower the aspirations of Nigerians who are desirous of contributing positively to the growth and development of the country.
