Ekwulobia Indigenes living in United States and Canada have handed over newly renovated multi-million-naira storey hostel to Ekwulobia Urban Girls Secondary School in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
President of the body, Dr Okwudili Ezeike, at the inauguration ceremony at the school premises, said the gesture was in fulfilment of the group’s resolve of giving back to the society.
He also promised to pay for accommodation for the first 20 students to move into the hotel.
He said, “I’m here to officially handover this edifice to the school authority, Ekwulobia Community and Anambra State Government; this is our way of contributing our quota towards developing Ekwulobia and Anambra State.
“It’s also one of our ways of giving back to the society, think home philosophy and to add a lasting value to the society.
“Investing in Girl Child Education in today’s world is something we all should encourage.”
While identifying lack of maintenance culture as one of Africa’s major challenge, Ezeike charged President General of Ekwulobia and school authority to imbibe maintenance culture to ensure the edifice lasted for generations to come.
“The problem of our African society today is not about to building structures but lack of maintenance culture. There’s the need to ensure the facility is adequately maintained for the future,” he added.
Principal of the school, Mrs Oboshi Fidelia
thanked the benefactors for the gesture and unwavering commitment to providing highest teaching and learning environment for the students, especially the hostel.
She also thanked leadership and members of the Old Girls Association of Ekwulobia Urban Girls who through their efforts renovated the refectory building of the school.
She advised parents and guardians to encourage their wards to live in the school dormitory.
“It is undeniable fact that the foundation of any country is dependent on the quality of education given to her younger citizens; to train a female child is to train a Nation,” stressed.
The Principal further appealed to Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh to assist the school in providing building for library and equipping it, installing solar system to supply constant light in the school, renovating Principal’s residence, amongst others.
In her remark, Education Commissioner thanked the Dr Okwudili Ezeike led Ekwulobia Community indigenes living in United States and Canada and Ekwulobia Urban Old Girls Association for their benevolence and for queuing into Prof. Soludo’s think-home initiative.
She said, “Spending time enriching your community is a great way to broaden your perceptions of the world.
“By immersing yourself in a community and surrounding yourself with people who are dedicated to bettering the world, you can learn so much about how the world works.
“You gain a unique sense of purpose by serving those around you, one which often manifests in other areas of your life.”
On his part, Chairman, Aguata Local Government, Dr Chibueze Oforbuike promised to partner with the school to provide some of their needs in order to enhance learning among the students.
Member Representing Aguata 2 Constituency in State House of Assembly, Hon Tony Muobike thanked Ekwulobia Community Indigenes living in United States and Canada and Old Girls Association of the School for embarking on the projects, promising to do more to attract more projects to the school.
Traditional Ruler of Ekwulobia, Igwe Engr Emmanuel Onyeneke, Old Girls Association of the school led by the President Chief Mrs Angela Onwuka, former Chairman, Aguata Local Government Area, Chief Titus Anigbogu were among other dignitaries that graced the occasion.