By Olatunji Peter
A new block of six classrooms, complete with 120 furniture sets and school startup kits, was officially commissioned at St. Peter Anglican Primary School in Agoro Town. The project was initiated by Build-A-School Initiative for Africa (BASIA) in partnership with Co-Africa and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This is not the first time BASIA has undertaken such a project in Ogun State; they have previously completed projects like the St. Peter's College Classroom Restoration Project in Abeokuta.¹
The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, was represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Hon. Kola Salako, at the commissioning ceremony. Engr. Salako-Oyedele expressed her gratitude to the donors and assured them of her readiness to support them at all times. She also commended the community leadership for their total support during the project, which was completed in just three months.
The Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota LG, Alhaji Wasiu Lawal, congratulated the Baale of Agoro for the project and promised to support the development of Agoro Town. He commended BASIA for their partnership with the government, which has provided an enabling environment for learning in the local government. He urged the school management to take the maintenance of the facilities seriously and sees the project as a good omen for the school, the pupils, and the teachers.
The school's head teacher, Mrs. Fagbenro Funmilayo, thanked the Deputy Governor and the local government Chairman, Hon. Lawal Wasiu, for accepting the project as zoned to the school. She praised the effort of the Baale, High Chief Dayo Oduntan, and his chiefs for their relentless support throughout the project.
Mr. Charles Adebayo of Latter Day Saint Charities emphasized the importance of education in opening doors to opportunities. He urged the school management and government agencies to maintain the facilities, which will stand the test of time. High Chief Dayo Oduntan acknowledged the contributions of prominent individuals, including Mr. Solaja, to the development of education and other projects in the community. He demanded better roads for Agoro, emphasizing the need for more government presence.
Elder Adeyinka Ojediran, representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, noted that the church was established in 1830 in America and has been present in Nigeria since 1978. Dr. and Mrs. Victor & Kaite Ukorebi are the founders of Build-A-School Initiative in Africa, BASIA, and Mrs. Marci Romney – Director, COAFRICA, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, are partners in the project and were well-represented at the commissioning.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by prominent community leaders, including Agoro Town CDC chairman - Chief Abidoye, SMBC Chairman - Chief Azeez Kareem, PTA Chairman - Mr. Adeyemi, Hon. Babatunde Solaja, The Vicar St. Peter’s Church Agoro- Venerable D.O. Femi Ologbe, Chief Imam of Central Mosque Agoro Land - Shehu Mahmud Yusuf Olanrewaju, Zonal Education Officer AOOLG_Alhaji Bsiriyu, and Engr. Odunlami Omooka.
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