Ibom Developers Celebrates Independence with Iwofe Schoolchildren

Ibom Developers Celebrates Independence with Iwofe Schoolchildren

Ibom Developers FZE has celebrated schoolchildren in its host community of Iwofe, Rivers State, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day, bringing smiles and excitement to pupils and students through a special community engagement and the donation of sportswear.

The initiative, which took place at Community Primary School, Iwofe, and Community Secondary School, Iwofe, provided an opportunity for Ibom Developers to celebrate the children while promoting the values of national pride, sportsmanship, healthy participation in extracurricular activities and community belonging.

The Independence Day engagement formed part of the company’s broader commitment to maintaining meaningful relationships with its host communities and supporting initiatives that contribute to the wellbeing and development of children and young people.

For the schoolchildren, the celebration was more than a commemoration of Nigeria’s Independence anniversary. It was also an opportunity to interact with representatives of a company operating within their community, receive sportswear and participate in an activity that recognised them as important members of the host community.

Speaking during the event, the Deputy Head Teacher of Community Primary School, Iwofe, Mrs. Mary Jackson, expressed appreciation to Ibom Developers for remembering the children and choosing to celebrate the Independence anniversary with them.

“The Lord has remembered us. We are highly elated and grateful. We appreciate Ibom Developers for coming to celebrate with our children and for this thoughtful gesture,” she said.

Mrs. Jackson noted that gestures of this nature could have a meaningful impact on pupils, particularly by making them feel recognised, valued and connected to organisations operating within their community.

At Community Secondary School, Iwofe, the students also expressed their appreciation for the initiative.
Raymond Godwin Okon, a JS 2 student of the school, thanked Ibom Developers for coming to celebrate Independence Day with them and for donating sportswear.

According to him, the gesture would encourage students to participate actively in sporting activities while giving them a greater sense of belonging.

He added that such engagements could also motivate students to appreciate the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles, teamwork and discipline through sports.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, CDP Coordinator, Grace Inyang, said the Independence Day celebration was consistent with Ibom Developers’ approach to community engagement and its efforts to maintain positive relationships with schools within its host communities.

She explained that the company regularly engages with schools during special occasions, including Children’s Day and other significant celebrations, as part of efforts to connect with children and create positive experiences for them.

According to Inyang, these engagements go beyond the provision of physical infrastructure and other conventional community development interventions.

“Our engagement with the schools is not only about infrastructure or other development projects. We also want the children to know that they are an important part of the community and that we care about their wellbeing, development and aspirations,” she said.

She explained that creating opportunities for children to interact, celebrate and participate in activities supported by the company helps to strengthen their sense of belonging and reinforces the relationship between the company and its host communities.

Inyang further noted that sports play an important role in the development of young people by encouraging teamwork, discipline, confidence, healthy competition and social interaction.

She said supporting sporting activities in schools was therefore part of creating an environment where children could develop talents and skills beyond the classroom.

The Iwofe Independence Day engagement also underscored the importance of recognising children as an integral part of community development.

For Ibom Developers FZE, the Independence Day engagement reflects a broader approach to community development that goes beyond physical infrastructure and conventional development projects to embrace initiatives that promote human development, strengthen social relationships and create positive experiences for members of its host communities.
As an affiliate of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), Ibom Developers continues to support meaningful community engagements aimed at strengthening relationships with host communities and contributing to the social wellbeing and human development of people within its areas of operation.
The company recognises that children and young people are central to the future of every community. By creating opportunities for them to feel valued, participate in community activities and develop their talents beyond the classroom, Ibom Developers seeks to contribute to stronger, more inclusive and resilient communities.
Through engagements such as the Independence Day celebration, the company continues to provide opportunities for children to feel included in community activities while encouraging values that support their growth and development.
The celebration ended on a positive note, with the schoolchildren expressing their appreciation for the gesture and the opportunity to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary in an atmosphere of joy and community spirit.
The initiative reflects Ibom Developers’ continuing commitment to responsible community engagement and its desire to contribute positively to the communities in which it operates.