EKPOMA – The Concerned Ekpoma Eminent Stakeholders Forum (CEESF) has built and donated 4-Room Water Cistern Toilet to pupils and staff of Ujoelen Primary School, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The toilet facility which has 18 feet underground water storage facility, was a project commenced in 2020 by the forum to address the challenges faced by the school.

The acting chairman of Esan West Local Government Council, and Head of Local Administration, Engr. Emmanuel Ibhadode before commissioning the project lauded the initiative of the members and leadership of the forum, and also commended them for the previous positive interventions of the forum, some which he mentioned as environmental campaigns, social mobilisation of people, drawing attention of government to failed roads, among others.

Engr. Ibhadode who stressed the need to extend the gesture to other schools in local government, pledged his council’s support to CEESF.

In his welcome remarks, the convener of the forum, Comrade Dr. Jude Obasanmi explained that the Concerned Ekpoma Eminent Stakeholders Forum was a coalition of individuals, professional groups, trade unions, youth groups and other non state actors in Ekpoma and its environs.

He disclosed that the objective of the forum, which is registered with the Edo State Government as a community based organisation,was primarily to address the various challenges confronting the people of the locality in more coordinated manner.

Comrade Dr. Obasanmi recalled that since its commencement in 2017, CEEFS had intervened and engaged stakeholders in the areas of bad roads, poor electricity supplies, security, and other issues affecting the community, pointing out that the donation of the toilet facility was part of the remarkable stories of the forum.

He appreciated some persons who made donations and supported the project with their time and resources, and 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.

The chairman of School Based Management Committee (SBMC), Rev. G. A. Izobofolo, who spoke on behalf of Ujoelen Community expressed profound gratitude to CEESF for the project, and appealed for the completion of the fenclng of the primary school to ward off vandals who most of the times according to him, mess up the premises and also steal some of the furniture and fittings in the school.

The Head Teacher of the primary school, Mrs. B. L. Osumah also commended the Concerned Ekpoma Eminent Stakeholders Forum and pledged to ensure that the facility was properly maintained.

Other notable persons at the handing over who also gave goodwill messages were Prof Matthew Izibili (Board Chairman, Josemaria Escriva Foundation) Dr. Williams Odion, Comrade Friday Ukpoko and other CEESF members.

High point of the ceremony was the commissioning of the facility and inspection by the dignitaries present.