…As Keystone bank hands over renovated classroom block to Anambra govt
By Ovat Abeng
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo has emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive vision for educational reforms in Nigeria.
He stated this during the official handover ceremony of the newly renovated classrooms at St. Jude’s Secondary School in Ihiala, on Saturday.
The project was executed by Keystone Bank Education School Initiative (KBESI).
Speaking further, Governor Soludo highlighted the significance of collaboration, stating, “The partnership between government, the public, the private sector, and the community is critical for driving development forward.” This message underscored his administration’s commitment to the Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) policy, aimed at revitalizing the state’s educational landscape.
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Celebrating the involvement of Keystone Bank in this initiative, he said, “Human capital is the best investment,” reflecting a broader understanding of education as a foundational element for societal progress. The Governor also addressed the challenges faced by the public education system upon his assumption of office, emphasizing, “The quality of education can be assessed through public schools,” asserting that education can serve as a powerful tool to break socio-economic barriers.
Governor Soludo called on public-spirited individuals and organizations to “prioritize education and health,” reinforcing that collective effort is essential for fostering a more equitable and just society. He urged others to “emulate Keystone Bank’s leadership and commitment to public schools,” laying the groundwork for more comprehensive support for educational initiatives across the nation.
Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the Commissioner for Education, commended the Governor’s efforts, stating, “He has been instrumental in creating a state with the lowest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.”
She noted the “unprecedented accomplishments achieved within just three years under his leadership” and affirmed that the project fully supports the Governor’s PPCP initiative, expressing gratitude to Keystone Bank for its contributions.
Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Keystone Bank, remarked, “This project is a seed of hope, inspired by the Governor’s vision for education in Anambra State.”
According to her, it is a great joy today on behalf of the board and management of Keystone Bank, to hand over this newly renovated classroom block under our Keystone bank education school initiative (KBESI).
“For us this is more than a building, it is an investment in the minds of our children and our contribution to the governor’s vision of putting education at the centre of Anambra’s transmission.
“Through KBESI, we are renewing schools, empowering youth, and aligning corporate resources with national development.
“Under governor’s Soludo’s leadership, Anambra has become a model of purposeful reform, where over 8,000 new teachers recruited, free education from nursery to SS3, digital teaching tools for thousands of educators and smart schools and curriculum renewal that link learning to skills and innovation.
“As we handover this renovated classroom block today, we do so with pride and hope and may these classrooms inspire learning, curiosity and dreams that will shape tomorrow.
The chairman commended the governor for creating an environment where partnership like this can thrive in Anambra State.
Mr. Imam Hassan, the Managing Director of Keystone Bank, elaborated that the initiative was carried out under the Keystone Bank Education Support Initiative, acknowledging the challenge of selecting a school amid the Governor’s extensive efforts across various institutions.
He added that the project includes upgrades to the administration block, the school hall, ten classrooms, among other facilities, aimed at complementing the Governor’s work.
“Public-Private-Community Partnerships serve the public good,” Hassan stated, encouraging all to make good use of the new facilities.
In a show of community support, the Ihiala community presented a cheque of fifty million naira for the Governor’s second-term campaign during the event, signaling strong backing for his ongoing educational initiatives.
The event was also grace by the Chairman, Anambra State Local Government Service Commission, Barrier Vin Ifeanyi Eziaka, Hon Pascal Agbodike, member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, Chairman of Ihiala Local Government Area, Hon Charles Orjiakor, among APGA supporters in the area.
