Funmi Ogundare
24 November 2009
Lagos — Teachers and pupils of Baptist Day Primary School , Agbesi Ewekoro, Ogun State had cause to celebrate, as Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc. recently renovated and provided electricity for the entire school complex comprising five blocks of 14 classrooms, laboratory, head teachers office and the toilet.
The school was also renamed Christian Pelamorgues Primary School by the state's Commissioner of Education, Prof. Segun Awonusi, to immortalise the late Extension Project Manager of the organisation, who conceived the idea of giving the school a face-lift to provide a conducive learning environment for the pupils.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Managing Director of the Organisation, Mr. Sammy Abdelkader said the late Pelamorgues, who was killed last month by unknown gunmen, was moved by the dilapidated state of the school then, he told the management in June this year, about the need to renovate it, saying that as an organisation interested in the development of its host communities, it promptly responded to the call.
Represented by the Project Director, Lakatabu, Mr. Guy Charperon, he said the project is worth N20 million, adding, "today, I am glad that we have been able to fulfill our aim of turning this primary school into a model school that will continue to be a reference point in this environment."
He noted that it was the desire of the company to ensure that quality education was available to its host community and that it had demonstrated this in different ways through an annual bursary award scheme and distribution of writing materials to students in Ewekoro and environs
For other youths that are not into formal education, Abdelkader said his organisation had developed artisans schemes and other youth empowerment initiatives to engage them positively.
While commending the pupils and staff of the school for their support while the project lasted, he stressed the need for a continuous cooperation to ensure peace and good atmosphere.
Operational Preparatory Manager, Mr. Lanre Opakunle who described the late Pelamorgues' initiatives as laudable, said it would be a thing of joy to see that the children used the facilities to develop their future. He thanked the state Ministry of Education for its support and commended the teachers for putting pressure on the organisation to fulfill its promise.
Awonusi, who described the event as a landmark one for the management of the company and the community at large, said the improved infrastructural facilities at the school would enhance teaching and learning and would help the school to compete favourably with any private or public primary school in the state. "There is no doubt that this new environment will inspire the pupils to study more.
Teachers will also feel proud and comfortable working in this new environment, which will translate into better academic performance."
The commissioner, who commiserated with the organisation on the demise of their staff, called on all stakeholders to contribute towards the development of the education sector, as government could not bear the responsibility alone.
Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Chief Sina Adejobi appealed to individuals, other organisations and corporate bodies in and around the area to partner with the government in making education a priority through donation of items and infrastructure that would improve the lot of youths, who she described as future leaders. "Apart from paying back into the community, such gesture is also a humanitarian service towards encouraging the upbringing of our young ones who are the major beneficiaries."
Adejobi who was represented by the Board's Secretary, Mrs. Iyabo Olateju urged the teachers to reciprocate the gesture by discharging their duties effectively, adding that the board would continue to provide quality basic education for pupils in the state and promote peaceful industrial atmosphere by motivating teachers accordingly.
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