Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has been described as a man ordained by God to bring hope and succour to the downtrodden masses of Rivers State.
This was the declaration by the management and staff of CLEMO Schools, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, as they bestowed on the Rivers State Governor an award of Peace, Statesmanship, and Development Expert at the Founder’s Day celebration of the school in Calabar on November 5, 2025.
The CLEMO Founder’s Day is celebrated annually in honour of Mrs Lawrentia N. Effanga, proprietress of CLEMO Schools, who turned clocked 92 years on November 5, 2025.
Speaking while presenting a plaque to the governor, the chairman of the occasion, Mr Agube Paulinus said, CLEMO Schools aligns itself with the peaceful disposition of Governor Fubara and the development strides which has become the hallmark of his administration, despite political challenges and distractions.
The plaque was received on behalf of the governor by Celestine Ogolo.
Earlier, Mr Paulinus had extolled the sterling qualities of the proprietress of CLEMO Schools, Mrs Lawrentia N. Effanga. He said the giant educational feats attained by the school in recent years were products of hard work, discipline, and motherly heart, which Mrs Effanga had brought to the management of the school.
He also showered encomiums on the staff and students for exemplary conduct, which has made the school the envy of all in Cross River State.
Earlier, while welcoming guests to the Founder’s Day ceremony, which took place at the school premises along Old Odukpani Road, Ikot Ansa, in Calabar, Mrs Effanga expressed gratitude to God for sustenance of life, and the cooperation and love extended to her by parents, staff, students, and old students of the school.
“Every 5th November marks a significant milestone in my life and the entire CLEMO Schools. It is an opportunity to celebrate the gift of life and God’s innumerable blessings and faithfulness to me and the entire CLEMO Schools community.
“It is also an opportunity to recommit to the vision that inspired the birth of CLEMO Schools. What began years ago with just three pupils has grown in leaps and bounds. Today, CLEMO Schools is one of the best in Cross River State – a worthy testament that God has truly multiplied our efforts. To Him be all glory,” Mrs Effanga stated.
The proprietress commended and thanked her guests, who came from far and wide to celebrate the day. She also appreciated the continuous support of the Macpepple T. Foundation for the scholarship scheme initiated and sustained over the years to 20 former students of the school in higher institutions.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Planning Committee of the Founder’s Day celebration in 2025, Mr Ekanem said that November 5 every year is historical in the life of CLEMO Schools. He said it was not just about commemorating the founding of the school but also to reflect on “journey of growth, excellence, and the impact that has defined CLEMO Schools since its establishment.”
“We are here to honour a woman, who years ago, looked upon this very ground and saw not an empty land, but a future filled with the promise of knowledge, character, and excellence. She planted a seed with faith that it would grow into a mighty tree, and today, we are all beneficiaries of its shade.
“Over the years, our school has produced men and women who are excelling in various fields of human endeavor-education, science, leadership, arts, and technology, contributing meaningfully to the development of our nation and beyond”, Mr Ekanem said.
Also, in an emotion-laden speech presented by Master Elijah Bassey, Senior Secondary One student of the school, on behalf of scholarship beneficiaries, they lauded Mrs Effanga for her love for children and benevolence which has turned fortunes of many for good.
The 92nd birthday of Mrs Lawnentia N Effanga and the Founder’s Day Celebration of CLEMO Schools was heralded by colourful match-past by the Boys Brigade and CLEMO Schools students. Other highlights were award presentation to dignitaries, including Hon Clapton L. Ogolo, who is the Chairman, Board of Management of CLEMO Schools. Other recipients were the Clan Head of Nkonib Qua Clan, His Highness Ntoe Paul Bassey Assimita ii, Macpepple J. Foundation, His Highness Esinjo Francis Edet, Pastor Alex of Glorious Covenant Church, Riverd State, Pastor(Mrs) Grace Emerald Udoka, Rt. Rev. Nelson Ekong Adolphus, Paulinus Agube, and Bryan Etim, amongst others.
Other highlights included traditional dance displays, JETS club presentation debates by the high school students, welcome song by the nursery department, performing arts, and the crowning of the Queen and King of CLEMO Schools.
Dignitaries from all over Nigeria including Mr Baritor Kpagih, a retired Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Hon Martin Nwigbo, a former chairman of Khana LGA of Rivers State, Nnamdi Ake, a former member of the Governing Council of Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State, Sir Kpaliku, former Chief of Protocol, Government House, Rivers State, among several others.
The celebrant and proprietress of CLEMO Schools also cut her 92nd birthday cake, amid shouts of joy and excitement.
