By Ojotule Romanus
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commended the Henry Adetayo Foundation, for its landmark intervention at the Local Government Secondary School, Okeagi, saying the intervention represents the community partnership as envisioned under the state Government’s School Adoption and Mentorship Program.
He also described the newly remodeled school as a remarkable investment in the future of the community and a true reflection of service beyond self.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, at the handing-over ceremony of the remodeled school on Saturday, expressed profound appreciation to the foundation for committing substantial resources to education at a time when economic realities have made such interventions increasingly difficult.
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Governor Ododo noted that the transformation of the school from its former state to the modern facility now handed over to government , demonstrated the depth of commitment by the Henry Adetayo Foundation to improving the lives of people, stressing that the intervention was particularly commendable because it was not driven by political considerations or the expectation of immediate returns.
According to him, investment in education is an investment in the future, as every individual or organisation that provides a child with a better learning environment contributes to the development of generations yet unborn.
He said the intervention by the Henry Adetayo Foundation represented exactly the kind of community partnership envisioned under the State Government’s School Adoption and Mentorship Programme, which encourages individuals, organisations and philanthropists to complement government efforts in transforming the education sector.
The Governor observed that, since the introduction of the programme, the intervention at Okeagi ranked among the biggest private-sector supports received by the state’s school system, describing it as a model worthy of emulation.
He called on other well-meaning individuals, organisations and successful members of communities to emulate the foundation by investing in education and other development needs of their communities rather than keeping their resources exclusively within their immediate families.
Governor Ododo further announced a series of government interventions to consolidate the gains of the foundation’s investment. He directed that the Kogi State Government would take over the payment of PTA teachers’ salaries at the school, working with the local government authorities to perfect the arrangement and ensure continuity.
He also approved the provision of digital learning facilities and educational materials, with the government already commencing the process through the installation of a solar inverter, while 25 computers are to be provided to the school to strengthen digital literacy and modern learning.
In addition, Governor Ododo promised that the government would construct a perimeter fence around the entire school, stressing that the security of teachers, students and the substantial infrastructure invested in the institution remained a priority of his administration.
The Governor equally charged the Okeagi community to take full ownership of the facility, protect it from vandalism and ensure that the infrastructure continues to serve students for generations to come.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Henry Adetayo Foundation, Mrs. C.O. Arayeigbemi, said the renovation was undertaken as a tribute to the memory of her late husband, who strongly believed in the transformative power of education.
She explained that her late husband regarded education as an inheritance that could not perish, saying the family chose to immortalise his legacy not merely through remembrance, but through an enduring intervention that would positively affect young people.
Arayeigbemi said the foundation’s desire was to provide children of Okeagi and neighbouring communities with a conducive environment where they could learn, dream and prepare for a brighter future.
She urged teachers to protect the facility and give their best to the students, while charging the students to study diligently, respect their teachers and believe in their capacity to achieve greatness.
Educational materials were also presented to the school by the Henry Adetayo Foundation as part of the intervention.
In a moving appreciation on behalf of the students, Ojo Precious thanked the foundation for giving the students what she described as a befitting place to learn and a renewed sense of hope.
She assured the donors that the students would make effective use of the opportunity, promising that they would study hard, respect their teachers and protect the newly renovated facilities.
