Rotary Club of Greenfield builds classroom, office block

By Chukwuma Umeorah

The Rotary Club of Greenfield Estate has commenced construction of a block of classrooms at the Okota Police Children’s School in Lagos as part of efforts to promote education and community development.

Speaking during the foundation laying ceremony, President of the club, Bonny Ogirri, said the initiative was conceived as a better solution to the infrastructural challenges of the school, he explained that while past interventions by the Club had focused on short-term renovations, the new project was intended to stand for generations.

“It’s not enough to do minor renovations on existing infrastructures. So, this time around, we decided to put up an entire block of classrooms. Classrooms that have an office, toilets alongside. Because, by the grace of God, in the next 50 years, I’m sure that school will still be there,” he said.

Ogirri noted that the school had been adopted by the club three years ago. He disclosed that the classroom block, which will include offices and toilet facilities, is expected to cost between N15 million and N20 million. According to him, the board of the club has already approved N5 million for the take-off phase of the project.

“Money will come from good-hearted Rotarians, individuals and whoever cherishes humanity. We’ll finish our project by the grace of God. That’s the target given to us by the District Governor,” he added.

Beyond the classroom block, the Greenfield Rotary Club also unveiled other community-focused initiatives during the Governor’s visit including an empowerment scheme for women traders within the community.

Ogirri explained that the empowerment initiative targeted women with small businesses who struggle to make ends meet. “We are giving them that grinding machine. And we’re going to give them some money to kick off, ” he said.

Zonal Director of the Lagos and Ogun State Police Force Education Unit, Alagbeleye Mercy Taiwo, expressed appreciation for the initiative. “This project will outlive each and every one of us. The number of people that will benefit from this beautiful project cannot be counted. We are deeply grateful and we commend Rotary for doing this,” she said.

District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Prince Henry Akinyele, who officially laid the foundation, commended the initiative, describing it as a project that would “stand the test of time.”

“This is a very impactful project. It aligns with one of the areas of focus of Rotary, which is basic education. The significance of this project cannot be underestimated because it is not just building a block, but building a future.”

The District Governor further challenged the club to complete the building within his one-year tenure.

“This project, I must commission this project. I have just 10 months more. So, I must commission this project. I believe so much in it and I know it will happen,” he stated.

Akinyele, while reacting to the induction of new members, described it as a landmark achievement. “Having about 13 new members joining this club is another great achievement, which will not only add value to this club but also to the district. I look forward to these new Rotarians beginning their Rotary journey and enjoy Rotary as it is,” he stated.