The Executive Chairman of Ikono Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Otobong Okon Essien convened a Community Health Awareness Summit for primary and secondary school students across the LGA as part of efforts to promote health education, informed decision-making, and positive behavioral change among young people. The event which held on 17^th of June 2026 brought together students, educators, government officials, health professionals, community leaders, and other stakeholders, providing a strategic platform for disseminating key health messages and strengthening community engagement. ECEWS participated in the summit as a critical partner, leveraging the opportunity to support the LGA’s health promotion agenda while deepening collaboration with local government leadership and key stakeholders in the education and health sectors. 

 Representing ECEWS, Dr. Abasumoh Neighbour led an interactive health education session focused on community health, healthy lifestyle practices, substance abuse prevention, health-seeking behavior, and the importance of making informed choices. Through open discussions and question-and-answer sessions, students actively engaged with facilitators, creating opportunities to address misconceptions, improve health literacy, and encourage responsible behaviors. The session underscored ECEWS’ commitment to driving healthcare messages beyond health facilities and into schools and rural communities, ensuring that adolescents and young people have access to accurate information that supports their overall wellbeing and future health outcomes.  

The summit further strengthened the partnership between ECEWS and the Ikono LGA leadership, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing community health through sustained stakeholder engagement and collaborative action. In her keynote address, the Executive Chairman reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to empowering young people through education and awareness initiatives, while stakeholders emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in promoting healthy behaviors among adolescents. The engagement enhanced ECEWS’ visibility within the community, expanded the reach of critical health promotion messages, and demonstrated the value of strategic partnerships in improving health awareness and supporting sustainable health outcomes across rural communities in Akwa Ibom State.