Church gives Ogun school new lease of life with

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has commissioned a multi-million-naira education and water project at Oke Owa United Anglican Primary School, Ikoto, in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The project, executed through the Church’s Humanitarian Services, includes the renovation of classroom blocks, construction of 10 modern toilet units, installation of a solar-powered borehole and provision of classroom furniture for pupils and teachers.

The facilities were commissioned on September 21, by Elder Christian Chibundu, a member of the Africa West Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, alongside the Baale of Ikoto, High Chief Abiodun Adekunle Odunsi.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chibundu said the intervention was part of the Church’s commitment to giving back to society and putting into practice the teachings of Jesus Christ on love, service and helping people in need.

He said the project was funded through contributions from individual members of the Church across the world, stressing that service to humanity should be driven by love rather than the pursuit of recognition.

According to him, the renovation of the classrooms was informed by the importance of education to the future of the children, while the solar-powered borehole and modern toilets were provided to improve access to clean water and promote hygiene within the school.

“We believe in giving back to society. Giving is a Christlike attribute and an expression of love,” Chibundu said.

He urged the teachers to instil sound values and principles in the pupils, saying education should go beyond academic knowledge to preparing children to become responsible members of society.

He also appealed to the school authorities, parents and members of the community to protect and maintain the facilities and guard against vandalism.

In her welcome address, the Head Teacher of the school, Mrs Agatha Chibuzor Nwankwo, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the history of the institution.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the history of our school, as we commission our renovated school facilities; 10 newly constructed toilets, solar-powered boreholes and classroom furniture,” she said.

Nwankwo expressed appreciation to the Church for its generosity and humanitarian intervention, saying the facilities would improve the learning environment and welfare of pupils and teachers.

She also thanked the Baale of Ikoto, representatives of the Anglican Church, government officials and other dignitaries who attended the ceremony.

The head teacher urged teachers to remain committed to their duties and called on parents and community members to take ownership of the facilities by ensuring their proper maintenance.

The Baale of Ikoto, High Chief Abiodun Adekunle Odunsi, who spoke on behalf of the community, pupils, parents and other stakeholders, commended the Church for funding the project.

Odunsi also acknowledged the efforts of Nwankwo in facilitating the intervention and contributing to the success of the commissioning.

He announced that the Ikoto Community Executive had approved a chieftaincy title, Yeye Gbeko-Niyi, for the head teacher in recognition of what he described as her “great and unquantifiable effort” towards the community.

Other stakeholders who expressed appreciation to the Church included the Education Secretary, Odogbolu Local Government, Alhaji Saka Giwa; and Vice President, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Abuja, Comrade Titilope Adenanjo.

Representatives of the Anglican Church and other community leaders also attended the ceremony.