By Thompson Yamput
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) on Monday, flagged off construction of new schools in Osara for the Hausa/Fulani communities.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that new school projects comprised of administrative buildings, libraries and laboratories, staff quarters, a clinic, sports facilities, and boreholes.
She also inaugurated the reconstruction and remodelling of Abdul Azeez Atta Memorial College, Okene (AAAMCO), with new facilities such as biology, agronomy and mechatronics laboratories.
Others include a computer-based test (CBT) centre, an amphitheatre, music studio, art and craft studio, staff quarters, a sport centre as well as furniture and equipment for all the new facilities.
Also to be provided are road network within the school premises, perimeter fencing, streetlights, water supply and total rehabilitation of the hostels.
The senator promised to upgrade the school to a smart school with digital learning devices for students.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, explained that the reconstruction and remodelling of AAAMCO was aimed at transforming the school to become one of most advanced secondary schools in Nigeria.
She said that the school was established in 1927 as Central School Okene, then changed to Provincial Secondary School Okene, became Government Secondary School Okene and later AAAMCO.
“This institution was attended by former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Prof. Jerry Gana, Prof. Lai Mohammed, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, amongst many notable alumni.
“This is just the beginning because similar attention will be given to other schools in the senatorial district in a bid to turn them into smart schools.
“Education is extremely important. I wouldn’t have been here if there was no school for my father to acquire an education and to give me the best education I had,” she said.
According to her, the building of primary and secondary schools in Osara for Hausa/Fulani community is a fulfilment of her campaign promises to them.
Speaking on behalf of Hausa/Fulani community, Dr Nuhu Abubakar-Jalido, the Youth leader, Miyetti Allah, Kogi Chapter, thanked the senator for the gesture.
“This is an opportunity for Hausa/Fulani children in this community to have access to quality education at their doorstep.
“This is the first time a senator in Kogi is building primary and secondary schools with the necessary facilities in an Hausa/Fulani camp.
“This will change our people’s ideology and enable them to acquire quality education and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development,” he said.
(NAN)
