The Okigwe Zone Representative on the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB), Arc. Amaka Mgbobu-Onu, has represented the Chairman of the Board, Hon. Chidiebere Egboh, at the commissioning and handover ceremony of newly constructed model primary school classroom blocks at Ihite Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
The classroom blocks, constructed through the collective efforts of the Ihite Ihube Sons and Daughters in the Diaspora, represent a commendable demonstration of community participation and collective responsibility in the development of basic education and the provision of a conducive learning environment for children.
Speaking at the ceremony, Arc. Mgbobu-Onu commended the Ihite Ihube community, particularly its sons and daughters in the Diaspora, for their vision, commitment and contribution towards the advancement of education in their community.
She noted that the initiative complements the broader educational development agenda of the Imo State Government, particularly the administration’s commitment to providing modern, safe, conducive and sustainable learning environments for children across the state.
Arc. Mgbobu-Onu particularly commended the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for what she described as his administration’s transformative strides in educational infrastructure.
According to her, the ongoing rehabilitation, renovation and construction of school infrastructure across Imo State demonstrate the administration’s determination to improve the standard of basic education and provide Imo children with the facilities required for effective teaching and learning.
She also commended the IMSUBEB Chairman, Hon. Chidiebere Egboh, and the Honourable Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. B. T. O. Ikegwuoha, for their tireless efforts towards translating the Governor’s educational policies and programmes into tangible results across the state.
The IMSUBEB representative further expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for constituting a fact-finding committee for the Rehabilitation and Restoration of Affected Communities in Okigwe Zone.
She disclosed that the committee is chaired by His Eminence, Dr. Samuel C. K. Uche, former Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, with Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri serving as Secretary and Arc. Amaka Mgbobu-Onu as a technical member.
She assured the people of Okigwe Zone that the government remains committed to completing ongoing school projects in the area, explaining that delays in some projects were largely occasioned by contractors who failed to return to site on the ground of insecurity.
She, however, assured the people that efforts were ongoing to ensure that the affected projects were completed and delivered for the benefit of the communities.
The ceremony attracted prominent personalities, government representatives, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Among those represented at the occasion were the former Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Samuel C. K. Uche; the Senator representing Imo North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Patrick C. Ndubueze, FNSE; and the Member representing Okigwe State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Samuel Ogbunikpa, who was represented by Godslove Ojiridike.
Also represented were the former Commissioner for Transport and APC candidate for the State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo, represented by Pastor Innocent Godwinson; and the Executive Chairman of Okigwe Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Nkechi Mbonu, represented by Hon. Moses Dimasu, Councillor, Ihube Ward.
Other dignitaries included Ogbuehi Emeka Pius Ikokwu, President, Igbo Community in Valencia, Spain; Ogbuehi Cyril Ogbu, PRO, Ihite in Diaspora; Lady Stella Ugwaka, representative of the Women Wing of Ihite-Ihube Town Union; Nze Uche Cletus Onyejoga, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ihite in Diaspora; Princess Uzoamaka Ogu, Ada Ndi Ada; members of the Traditional Council; the President-General of the Women Union; Youth Union leaders; and other community stakeholders.
Members of the Ihite Ihube Peace and Restoration Forum also turned out in large numbers to celebrate the landmark occasion and the community’s contribution to educational development.
Arc. Mgbobu-Onu was accompanied to the ceremony by the Special Adviser to the Governor on New Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu; Njoku U. Fredrick; and other members of her entourage.
The commissioning and handover of the classroom blocks further underscored the positive impact that collaboration between government, host communities and citizens in the Diaspora can have in strengthening educational development.
The project stands as a testament to the power of collective action and a shared commitment to building a better future for children in Ihite Ihube and Imo State at large.
---- Fredrick Njoku