Ododo Hails Foundation Over Additional Support For Okeagi Secondary School
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, has commended the Henry Adetayo Foundation for its landmark intervention at the Local Government Secondary School, Okeagi.
While commending the Foundation for an additional support, Ododo described the newly remodeled school as a significant investment in the future of the community and a shining example of service to humanity.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, at the handover ceremony on Saturday, expressed appreciation to the foundation for committing substantial resources to the development of education and providing the students with a modern and conducive learning environment.
Ododo said the transformation of the school from its former state into the facility being handed over to government demonstrated the foundation’s deep commitment to improving the lives of young people, particularly as the intervention was undertaken without political considerations or expectation of immediate personal returns.
He stressed that investment in education remained one of the most enduring investments any individual, organisation or government could make, noting that providing children with quality learning facilities would positively influence generations yet unborn.
The Governor said the intervention aligned with the objectives of the State Government’s School Adoption and Mentorship Programme, which provides an avenue for individuals, organisations and philanthropists to complement government efforts in transforming the education sector.
According to him, the Okeagi project ranks among the most significant private-sector interventions received by the state’s school system since the introduction of the programme, adding that it had provided a model for others to emulate.
He therefore called on well-meaning individuals, organisations and successful members of communities to invest in education and other development needs of their communities, stressing that such contributions would create lasting value beyond individual families.
To further consolidate the gains of the foundation’s intervention, Ododo announced a number of additional government measures for the school.
He directed the Kogi State Government to take over the payment of salaries of PTA teachers at the school, in collaboration with the local government authorities, to ensure continuity and strengthen teaching capacity.
The Governor also approved the provision of digital learning facilities and educational materials for the school. He disclosed that the process had already commenced with the installation of a solar inverter, while 25 computers would be provided to enhance digital literacy and modern learning.
In addition, he directed the construction of a perimeter fence around the school, stressing that the security of students, teachers and the infrastructure provided through the intervention remained a priority of his administration.
The Governor charged the Okeagi community to take ownership of the facility, protect it from vandalism and ensure that the infrastructure remained useful to present and future generations of students.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Henry Adetayo Foundation, Mrs. C.O. Arayeigbemi, explained that the renovation was undertaken in memory of her late husband, who she said believed strongly in the transformative power of education.
She said her late husband regarded education as an inheritance that could not be lost, adding that the family chose to immortalise his legacy not merely through remembrance, but through an intervention capable of positively shaping the lives of young people.
Arayeigbemi said the foundation’s objective was to provide children in Okeagi and neighbouring communities with a conducive environment to learn, dream and prepare for a better future.
She urged the teachers to protect the facilities and remain committed to giving their best to the students, while encouraging the students to study diligently, respect their teachers and believe in their ability to achieve greatness.
As part of the intervention, the Henry Adetayo Foundation also presented educational materials to the school.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Ojo Precious expressed appreciation to the foundation for providing them with what she described as a befitting environment for learning and a renewed sense of hope.
She assured the foundation that the students would make good use of the opportunity, study hard, respect their teachers and protect the newly renovated facilities.
