Okeagi Secondary School Gets Fresh Support From Ododo »

Hails Henry Adetayo Foundation for investment in education

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved fresh interventions for Local Government Secondary School, Okeagi, following the remodelling of the institution by the Henry Adetayo Foundation.

The governor directed the state government to take over the payment of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teachers’ salaries at the school and also approved the provision of 25 computers and other educational materials to strengthen digital learning.

Ododo disclosed the measures on Saturday through the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, during the handover of the remodelled school in Okeagi, Kogi State.

He said the intervention by the Henry Adetayo Foundation was a significant investment in the future of the community and demonstrated the value of partnerships between government, private organisations and communities in improving education.

The governor said the transformation of the school was particularly commendable because it was undertaken without political considerations or expectations of immediate returns.

According to him, the intervention aligns with the objectives of the State Government’s School Adoption and Mentorship Programme, which encourages individuals, organisations and philanthropists to complement government efforts in the education sector.

Ododo said the Okeagi project ranked among the biggest private-sector interventions received by the state’s school system since the introduction of the programme, describing it as a model for others to emulate.

He also directed that the government, in collaboration with local government authorities, should perfect arrangements for the continued payment of PTA teachers’ salaries.

On digital education, the governor said the government had commenced the installation of a solar inverter at the school and would provide 25 computers to improve digital literacy and modern learning.

He further approved the construction of a perimeter fence around the school, stressing that the safety of students, teachers and the infrastructure provided through the intervention was a priority.

Ododo urged the Okeagi community to take ownership of the facility, protect it from vandalism and ensure that the infrastructure remains useful to generations of students.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Henry Adetayo Foundation, Mrs C.O. Arayeigbemi, said the renovation was undertaken in memory of her late husband, who she said strongly believed in the transformative power of education.

Arayeigbemi said her late husband viewed education as an inheritance that could not perish, adding that the family chose to preserve his legacy through an intervention capable of positively affecting young people.

She said the foundation sought to provide children in Okeagi and neighbouring communities with a conducive environment to learn, develop their potential and prepare for the future.

She urged teachers to protect the renovated facilities and remain committed to their responsibilities, while encouraging students to study diligently, respect their teachers and believe in their ability to succeed.

The foundation also presented educational materials to the school as part of the intervention.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Ojo Precious expressed appreciation to the foundation for providing what she described as a befitting learning environment and a renewed sense of hope.

She assured the donors that the students would make effective use of the facilities, study hard, respect their teachers and protect the renovated infrastructure.