OBI PRESENTS N5M CHEQUE TO BURNT SCHOOL

Saint Mary the Virgin Convent of the Anglican Communion, Ufuma has been presented with a cheque of N5 million by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State for the reconstruction of its burnt hostel block.

This brings to N10 million the financial support given to the school for the project by Governor Obi.

He made the presentation during a visit to the convent at the weekend as he reinstated the commitment of his administration to entrench quality education in the state by giving adequate support to all schools, irrespective of ownership status in line with the vision of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ahead of time. He disclosed that at the moment, education takes about 60 per cent of the state monthly salary package and urged the schools to explore ways to boost their internal revenue resources.

The governor also said water was a critical component of the state strategy to achieve the MDGs and expressed worry that the convent had no source of regular water supply, pledging that government would be part of its borehole scheme. The Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Mr Chuma Okafor, said the governor's intervention was a further testimony that his administration had come to serve and uplift the people of the state.

The Aguata Diocesean Administrator, Venerable David Obiagbaso, said the governor had remained committed and compassionate in his strides to actualize his mission to the state through purposeful leadership and fulfilling promises made to the people. A community leader, Prof. Benjamin Okechukwu said the governor had continued to carry everybody along irrespective of religious belief and enjoined others to emulate him in eschewing religious sentiment in service.

Similarly, the President General, Ufuma Town Union, Women Wing, Mrs Virginia Okolie, said the people of the Area would continue to pray for the governor to complete his vision for the state. Also, Vice Principal of the school, Mr Lawrence Ogbuagu said in his address that the governor's prompt intervention saved the students and the convent from untold difficulties and disclosed that the burnt hostel had almost been completed.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Miss Udoka Emezue said Governor Obi had restored smiles and hope to the children and youths of the sate by rebuilding a future that holds a lot of prospects for them.