Awka
Two boys of 12 and 15 years of age, little master Ntochukwu and Gozzy Nwogbo respectively, had built, furnished and donated a complete primary school library to Amaenyi Community Basic School in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Although Ntochukwu and Gozzy did not school at Amenyi Community Basic School, the Step-Mother of their father, our correspondent reliably gathered, taught in the benefitting primary school for years before retiring from teaching job.
Handing over the key of the school library to the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha, Ntochukwu Nwogbo, said they embarked on the project because they were heartbroken immediately they visited the school only to be embrace by her dilapidated infrastructure and non-functional library.
His words: “Our parents always taught us to be grateful for the things they are able to provide for us. They taught us that giving to those that do not have is lending to God. They practiced these teachings in their own lives by always seeking opportunities to bless others.
“It was therefore not surprised to them when we decided to embark on this project. We had just paid a visit to the Amaenyi Community Basic School and were heartbroken at the dilapidated state of the library.
We could have asked our parents for help, as my dad had not long ago built a classroom block at Capital City Secondary School, Awka and my mum currently runs a foundation that provides resources for children.
“We however, decided to do it ourselves, to prove to other kids that you’re never too young to lend a hand. We are extremely grateful to all the people that responded to our fundraising requests. We couldn’t have done this without you. We are also grateful to our mum, who helped coordinate the process and took care of the adult aspects of the projects. We hope that this project will improve the reading culture of the pupils, encourage more development in our schools, as well as ensure that our children are well equipped to be the great leaders of tomorrow.”
In a response, the primary school Headmistress, Mrs. Eunice Okoli commended the children and there parents for the kind gesture, noting that the project would speed-up reading culture among the pupils.
Okoli, while encouraging others to emulate Nwogbo family, called on parents and highly spirited individuals to key into building and furnishing libraries with books and other needful items with a view to re-inculcating reading culture in contemporary Nigeria which has witnessed dwindling misfortunes since the inception of Information and Communication Technology via social media and internet.
On his part, Governor Willie Obiano, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, in his speech directed the Head Teacher to visit his office for more library materials.
While the State Commissioner, Prof. Kate Omenugha called on other Anambrarians to partner with the State Government on Education Sector, with a view to moving the sector forward.
The governor who was represented by his deputy Dr Nkem Okeke had in his entourage commissioners from different ministries, chairman Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), politicians, royal fathers and a host of other government functionaries.