MISSIONARY ORGANISATION HANDSOVER CLASSROOM BLOCK TO ENUGU STATE GOVT

REPORTER: KECHUKWU EZEONA

Enugu State Government says it is committed to reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state through the provision of quality educational facilities across the state.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi gave the indication in a message to the inauguration and handover of an ultra modern four classroom block built by a missionary organisation in Amamdim-Olo Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area.

Governor Ugwuanyi, who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, said that it was in its efforts to eradicate out-of- school menace and ensure that no child was forced to study in a dangerous environment that Enugu State Government in collaboration with the missionary organisation embarked on the education facility to improve learning.

He said that the classroom block with four classes constructed at Amamdim-Olo Primary School by a humanitarian arm known as Build a School Initiative in Africa ‘BASIA’ would bring joy and hope to children in the community and the state.

“The Enugu State Government is indeed elated and proud to partner “BASIA” on its noble and philanthropic enterprises.

“For us as a government, education is a fundamental driver of person, national and global development. I wish to eloquently thank BASIA for embracing and supporting this vision of the state government in education as it is clearly demonstrated in this impressive school project,” he said.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the religious body, Dr. Victor Ukorebi pointed out that the intervention was aimed at reducing drastically the number of out-of-school children.

He expressed the readiness of the organisation to replicate the kind gesture in other communities in the state.

“Our children belong to the classroom and not in the streets, they deserve education and not hawking or idling away.

“Each child is a potential future leader of this state and this country. Getting the proper education will only get them closer to that dream and aspirations and place them in their rightful position in the society,” Dr. Ukorebi stated.

In a remark, the traditional ruler of Amamdim-Olo Community, Igwe Hafford Agana, applauded the missionary organisation for the initiative and the state government for locating the project in his community.

“My heart is full of joy. Right from the time they stepped in to this community and promised to build this school under three months.

“Before that time they have completed the project and it was commissioned today I am so delighted,” the royal father said with joy.

An indigene of the area, Mr. Afamefuna Agana and some pupils of the school said that it was a great privilege and honour for them to benefit from the gesture and pledged to put it in good use.

“It is a project worth emulating and we are opportuned to have the first project situated in my community, it’s quite commendable.”

“My name is Onyechi Chinaza, I’m in primary five, I feel happy I thank them for building the classroom block for us.”

Another school child Godwin Onyedife said: “I’m in primary six, I thank them so much, we are also grateful because the house is beautiful.”

The Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Professor Uche Eze and the Council Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Mr. Chukwudi Ozoeluba, were among the dignitaries that attended the event.