(1888PressRelease)
April 28, 2011 - Dr. Wood was decorated at the Government House in Cross River State by the Wife of the State Governor, Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke.
In line with this tradition initiated by His Excellency the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke of appointing Honourary Ambassadors to the State where the individual has expressed and proven a keen interest in bringing substantial and tangible development to the State and its needy. Mrs. Liyel- Imoke while decorating Dr. Wood with the State Insignia stated "not only has he become a citizen of Cross River State but also a representative and a spokes person for Nigeria and most especially Cross River to educate on positive things he has experienced firsthand in Nigeria and Cross River State in particular".
Mrs. Liyel-Imoke also disclosed that the decoration became necessary as Dr. Wood had initiated and concluded a "Sister School Partnership" between Charles Carroll Middle School and Surefoot American International School (SAIS) Calabar to encourage exchange programs between both students and teachers of the two schools.
Exchanges of Cultures and teaching methodologies are foremost in the Sister School MOU. Furthermore the partnership will ensure a better curriculum development that would create global awareness for students and teachers, improve technology instructions as well provide further professional development for teachers.
Mrs. Liyel-Imoke, said the Surefoot American International School (SAIS) though just getting into its third year of operation and has recently been listed by the Guardian School watch amongst Nigeria's 40 Best schools, was also concluding its first partnership and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with another School.
Responding, Dr. Wood accompanied by three other collaborative partners thanked the Governor's wife for honoring him. "I am indeed very excited not only as a citizen of Cross River State but also the mouthpiece of the State on education. I will do everything within my limit to change the negative publicity about Africa by the western world and I have also promised to give Cross River State top priority while carrying out this advocacy" he said.
Describing education as an exclusive right of every child, the Newest Ambassador said he would work very hard to effect positive changes in the educational system in SAIS, and stressed that every parent must give their children proper and quality education in order to have a better tomorrow.
Dr. Wood has already through the school donated 500 books to the school Library at SAIS. This Library will serve not only the school but other schools in the Library as it is being set- up as a State of the art modern Library with enough facilities to serve both its students and teachers.
Those who accompanied Ambassador Wood, to Nigeria for the award were, Dr. Cheryl Hill, CEO of Integrity International Consulting Group, Pastor Claudia Walter and Mr. Nate Newman, Assistant Principal of Charles Carroll Middle School (U.S.). Also present at the event were the Special Assistants in the Office of the Wife of the Governor.
###
