Corps member donates books to school library

By: Embale Jonathan
From: Bomadi

Books and other instructional materials worth thousands of naira were recently donated by a corps member to the Esenaebe Senior Secondary School in Bomadi.

The corps member, Mr. Opoara Oduma Agbai with state registration number DT/09B/0373 serving in the school, made the donation of the books as part of his Community Development Service (CDS) to the school. The corps member while handing over the books to the principal of the school at the school library, said he was motivated by the desire to contribute meaningfully and to positively touch the lives of his host community.

Mr. Oduma Agbai who carried out his primary assignment as a teacher in the school, explained that his decision to give the school library a face-lift was informed by the need to invest in education, an area which he said would have an enduring legacy on the people. The Abia born corps member stated that he was satisfied and expressed happiness in achieving the feat in spite of the enormous challenges and frustration that stood in his way in the course of carrying out the project.

In his response, The Chief Inspector of Education in Bomadi, Mr. Joseph O. Edafeghwara commended the corps member’s gesture for reviving the school library. The CIE who was represented by a Senior Official of the ministry, Mr. Solomon Atabeh, stated that with the availability of the books, the library will improve and strengthen the standard of teaching and learning in the school. Edafeghwara advised other corps members serving in the area to turn their difficulties into opportunities and take a leaf from Oduma Agbai’s gesture, stating that it was done purely on humanitarian feelings. Edafeghwara therefore called on the principal and teachers of the school to make judicious use of the books to increase knowledge.

Lamenting on the dilapidated condition of the school structures, Edafeghwara woo sons and daughters of the area in positions of authority to come to the aid of schools in the local government area. He also drew the state government’s attention to that direction, noting that the best way to eradicate poverty is through education.

The Principal of the college, Mr. Yerin Yekuwe while receiving the books earlier described the corps member as exceptional, having distinguished himself worthy of emulation. Yekuwe expressed delight at the corps member’s gesture and thanked him for his goodwill.

The principal, who promised to make good use of the books to enhance knowledge, also highlighted some challenges facing the school to include renovation of the entire blocks of classrooms, manpower, desks, offices and toilet facilities. He described the NYSC scheme. as most laudable programme of the federal government, just as he advocated for the review of their allowances.

The NYSC Local Government Officer, Mrs. E. B. Okhifor in her remark, said the corps member’s gesture is in line with the mandate of the scheme where corps members are expected to carry out self help projects as part of their service to their host communities. She commended Oduma Agai for making the scheme proud, even as she enjoined the general public, philanthropists and organizations to always assist corps members.