By Ojotule Romanus
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved the renovation of Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Lokoja to improve learning conditions.
He gave the approval during the flag-off and distribution of Back-to-School materials organised by the Kogi State APC Former Commissioners Forum, where the school’s deteriorating condition and loss of its historic boarding-school status were highlighted.
The governor’s response is coming on the heels of the recent appeal by the chairman of the forum, Prince Sani Ogu Salisu, an alumnus of the school, who called for urgent government intervention to reverse its decline.
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Salisu highlighted the importance of the institution towards fostering harmony amongst the various groups in the state noting that the former unity boarding school brought together students from the three senatorial districts who lived, studied and interacted as one family.
In response, Ododo welcomed the concerns raised about the school and acknowledged the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges confronting public educational institutions.
The Governor, who expressed appreciation to the former commissioners for their continued support and commitment to the development of Kogi State, emphasised the need for leaders to give back to society by investing in projects that directly improve the lives of the people.
Earlier, Prince Sani Ogu Salisu, explained that the Back-to-School initiative was designed to complement the Ododo administration’s efforts in the education sector while easing the financial burden on parents and guardians. He noted that the former commissioners considered it their responsibility to give back to the society that had provided them with opportunities to serve.
Beyond the distribution of educational materials, the forum announced financial rewards of ₦50,000 for first-place students, ₦30,000 for second-place students and ₦20,000 for third-place students across JSS 2, JSS 3, SS 1, SS 2 and SS 3 in five selected schools across the state’s 21 local government areas.
The school’s principal, Mr Ojapa Stephen Ajayi, welcomed the Governor and other dignitaries, expressing appreciation for the choice of the institution as venue for the intervention.
