Mrs Betsy Obaseki, the wife of Edo State Governor, has urged Nigerians to join the federal and state governments in providing community development amenities.
Obaseki made the statement over the weekend while inaugurating a N100 million school complex within the 84-year-old Central Primary School, Obioma, in Enugu State’s Udi Local Council.
Ike Chioke, Obioma’s illustrious son and Group Managing Director of Afrinvest West Africa, constructed the school complex, equipped it, and provided for teacher retraining.
According to the governor’s wife, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the government to meet all of the infrastructure needs of various communities on its own, necessitating contributions from individuals and corporations.
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Obaseki also emphasized the importance of wealthy individuals giving back to society and ensuring that future leaders are groomed to take their place in the near future.
“I must commend Chioke for his love and outstanding investment in his immediate community, despite his international schooling and work in Lagos,” she said.
“I pray that every other blessed Nigerian follows in his footsteps of being attuned to and of great benefit to their communities, as well as seeking ways to develop their human capital and social amenities.”
The Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Ernest Obodo, praised Chioke’s philanthropic gesture, saying it relieved the people of Obioma of a burden.
Chioke said he first visited the school about six months ago, completely bewildered, unsure how a child could learn anything meaningful in such a setting.
He claims that the project will significantly improve the learning conditions of students in Obioma and surrounding communities, and that it will serve as a model for new primary schools in Enugu.
“With the country’s education and human capital continuing to deteriorate, I decided to deliver learning materials to assist students and sponsor skill acquisition in my hometown of Obioma.” women’s and youth’s programs
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“In my opinion, you cannot enlighten people without first educating and empowering them to stand on their own; and the most important part of that education begins in elementary school.”
“Moreover, equipping children as early as primary school would enable them to compete with students in Ikoyi, Lagos, and other cities in all forms of modern learning.”
