Foundation distributes educational materials to Abia school
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Mazi Ekweronu Foundation has distributed educational materials to pupils and students of Lodu Imenyi Community School (primary and secondary sections) in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
The materials include: 40 desks, school bags, dozens of books, white boards, markers and ball pens.
Distributing the items to the beneficiaries Thursday, Hon. Nnadozie Ndubuisi Ekweronu, said the gesture was in memory of his late father who had penchant for education.
He expressed deep concern over the poor funding for education, emphasising the need for adequate attention to the education sector considering its pivotal role for the development of any society.
He argued that basic education should be free if Nigeria truly wants to have a great future.
Nnadozie called on Government to invest more in education particularly in the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal and the attendant economic hardship.
He cautioned that if no conscious efforts were made to make education affordable, many students might drop from school as a result of hardship.
The philanthropist also advocated inclusion of vocational studies in the education curriculum to make graduates self reliant upon graduation.
He urged private individuals and corporate bodies to compliment the efforts of Government in the education sector.
The philanthropist tasked the management of the schools on the preservation of the desks while charging the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously.
In their responses, the Senior Prefect of the secondary school, Master Godswill Ogbonnaya; and Chibuike Iheukwumere, a JS 111 student, expressed their profound gratitude for the gesture.
Similarly, the Principal, Mrs Doris Oparaocha; and the Headmistress of the primary section, Mrs Patience Kanu, commended the Foundation for the support, and prayed God to replenish the source.
The Principal who identified lack of desks and laboratory as the major challenges of the school, said the intervention was a huge relief.
Speaking also, the President General of the Community, Chief Victor Ndubuisi, described the gesture as laudable.
He commended the benefactor for his various interventions in the school, recalling how he intervened when the Principal’s office was burgled sometime ago.
The PG also recalled that when rain destroyed the Headmistress’ office, Nnadozie assisted in fixing it.
Similarly, Assistant Synod Secretary, Methodist Church, Umuahia Diocese, Very Rev. Steve Kanu, commended the benefactor, and described the gesture as overwhelming.
