Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has challenged old students to contribute meaningfully towards their alma-mata.
The Deputy Governor made the call during the commissioning of a
renovated block of 20 classrooms donated to University of Benin Staff School, Benin City by an alumnus of the school and ace comedian, Bovi Ugboma.
Shaibu commended the donor for deeming it fit to remember his alma-mata by donating the one-storey building, fitted with toilet facilities, library and staff rooms.
Shaibu affirmed that the kind gesture exhibited by the popular Nigerian stand-up comedian was very unique, highly commendable and a great challenge to other alumni of state-owned schools.
“This is the first time l am seeing an individual donating a structure to his or her alma mata. This is a challenge to everyone here present”
“For me, Bovi has challenged me to return to my alma mata, Savannah Primary School and St. Augustine Secondary School, Banawa, both in Kaduna State”.
“There is nothing too little or too big to do for our alma mata. You will all agree with me that touching the lives of others is a great sacrifice that is pleasing and well acceptable before our Creator”, he said.
The Deputy Governor enjoined all to join hands with government to uplift Edo State’s education sector to a more desirable and enviable height.
He said,: “basically, if we all contribute our quota, the State will be a better place for us and it will enable government to focus on other laudable projects”.
He thanked Mr.Bovi Ugboma for displaying such height of magnanimity, while asserting that the projects will go a long way to improving the moral and academic uprightness of pupils in the school.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, University of Benin Prof. Lillian Salami, appreciated Edo State Government for its citizen-oriented policies.
She noted that it has given ample chance for all and sundry to contribute their own quota to the development of Edo State, in one way or the other.
Head Mistress of the school, Mrs. Mercy Edokpolor,in her remarks, said Bovi Ugboma was a pupil of the school from 1979-1990. “This is evident that Bovi is a good-spirited individual who has donated this facility to his alma mata”, she said.
Also speaking,
the donor, Mr. Bovi Ugboma, said he was inspired to give back to his alma mata because the school was the foundation of his formative years.
He appealed to the school to make judicious use of the facilities and ensure they are effectively utilized and well maintained to achieve the purpose they are meant to serve.
