It was a great relief to the Pupils and Staff of Ujoelen Primary School, Ekpoma, Esan West LGA Edo State when the Concerned Ekpoma Eminent Stakeholders’ Forum (CEESF) formally handed over a four room water cistern toilet and 18 feet underground Water Storage Facility to the school.
The project started in 2020 by CEESF as a project to help in addressing one of the challenges faced by the school. The Project Coordinator, Comrade Babatunde James in his opening remarks and brief on the project said that it was indeed a demanding task undertaking the project ranging from paucity of funds and increase in the cost of materials. He said that the toilet facility is supported with an 18ft underground Water storage facility, 200 litres drum to take care of the water challenges that the school might likely face.
In the welcome speech by the Convener of the Forum Comr. Dr. Obasanmi Jude, he said that the CEESF is a coalition of individuals, professional groups, trade unions, youth groups, other non- state actors in Ekpoma kingdom and its environs. CEESF aim is primarily to address the various challenges facing the people in the locality in a more coordinated manner. According to him, CEESF came into existence in 2017 and it is registered with Edo State Government as a community based organization. Since 2017, CEESF has intervened and engaged stakeholders in the areas of bad roads, poor electricity supply, security and other issues affecting the community. There has been a remarkable level of success stories of which the donation of the facility is also part of it.
He said some persons made donations and supported the project with their time and resources. However, he applauded the seed support from Hon. Joe Edionwele, Member representing Esan West, Esan Central, and Igeuben Federal constituency, Ekpoma Okpa Unity Forum UK Chapter, The Head of Local Government Administration Esan West LGC, Josemaria Escriva Foundation, Easy Motors, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun (Speaker Edo State House of Assembly), Management of Lead Oil, the Distinguished members of the Forum for their sacrifices, support and faith in the project. He equally appealed to the school management to ensure that the facility was properly maintained.
Speaking on behalf of the Ujoelen Community and the School Based Management Committee, the SBMC Chairman Rev. Izobobofolo, G. A. commended CEESF for the gesture and also pleaded that efforts be made to complete the fencing of the school to ward off vandals who most times mess up the premises and also steal some of the furniture and fittings in the school. The Head Teacher of the School Mrs. Osumah B.L. applauded CEESF and promised to ensure that the facility was properly maintained. In her words, “it is the Lord’s doing”
Before commissioning of the facility, the Special Guest of Honour and the HOLGA of Esan West LGA, Engr. Emmanuel Ibhadode commended the leadership of the Forum. He said that since his assumption of office he has been a witness to all the positive interventions in the LGA ranging from environmental campaigns, drawing attention to the failed roads, social mobiliziation for people participation in community development amongst others. He pledged the Council’s support to CEESF and requested that this positive gesture should be extended to other schools in the LGA. Other notable persons at the handing over who also gave good will messages where Prof M. A. Izibili, Board Chairman, Josemaria Escriva Foundation, Dr. Williams Odion, Comrade Friday Ukpoko and other CEESF members.
Thereafter the facility was commissioned and inspected by the dignitaries present where the CEESF was praised with a promise by the HOLGA to continue to support her activities.
In a vote of thanks Mrs. Airohuodion appreciated God and prayed for the upliftment of the Forum. Guest at the event were treated to a light refreshment courtesy of the HOLGA Esan West LGA.
Credit: Urban Scoop.
