The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon
Victor Ochei, fnse, has urged Deltans to encourage educational endeavours, as
it is the only lasting legacy they can bequeath to coming generations which
will ultimately engender societal growth.
Speaker Ochei made the call in
Warri when a nine-member Itsekiri Education Trust, under the aegis of the Warri
National Council, was inaugurated by His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu
of Warri, in his palace in Warri, Delta State on Sunday October 28, 2012.
Rt. Hon Ochei, who was the
chairman on the occasion, said that his advice stems from a personal experience
based on his late father’s advice that ‘’education is the only enduring legacy
parents could bequeath off springs as other endeavours are time bound’’.
The Delta Speaker commended
the Itsekiri monarch and Warri National Council for instituting the education
trust for the benefit of the people, pledged to be part of the Trust, saying
that: “I will bequeath education as a legacy to the younger generation.”
Ochei then charged the
management of the Trust to ensure the sustenance of the body through quality
service, adding that he would be proud to tell beneficiaries of the programme
that he was a contributor to their educational attainment,even as he observed
that while most accomplishments may not command continuing generational value,
education stands out as a timeless tool necessary for the advancement of
individuals and the society.
He therefore poured encomiums
on the Warri monarch for his foresight by initiating the project, which he
described as a durable factor in uplifting the socio-cultural status of the
society.
In his comments, the Delta
state Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan expressed delight and support for the
venture, which he said enjoys historical relevance, citing the founding of
Hussey College, Warri by the Warri Cultural society as successful reference
point.
The Governor, who was
represented by the Delta state commissioner for basic and secondary education,
Professor Patrick Muoboghare, maintained that in establishing the institution,
the founding fathers of the college may not have envisaged the positive role
the college would play in the society’s educational perspective, as
beneficiaries were not limited to the Itsekiri ethnic stock alone, but their
vision has been rewarded with the massive impact the institution has made in
the educational sector over the years.
Governor Uduaghan said the
Itsekiri were a people focused and committed to any chosen course and set goal
and commended Warri National Council for the lofty initiative, pleading that
the initiative should be sustained.
In his speech, Ogiame Atuwase
II urged the teams to explore all avenues in ensuring that no one is left out
in the march and aspiration to meaningful development for the people adding
that ‘’education is what should touch everybody and we want that no child
would henceforth be left untouched by it’’.
The monarch further implored
those yet to be assigned roles in this project to show willingness and
readiness in ensuring that the scheme comes to fruition.
Also speaking, Chief Brown
Mene, chairman of the Warri National Council opined that the scheme was
conceived with a twin purpose of providing and managing learning institutions
with the environment that will enhance and optimise holistic learning as well
as ensuring that no child would be hindered by the lack of personal fund and
mentorship from reaching the utmost learning capacity.
He gave the assurance that
‘’the proposed institution would be open to all Nigerians, irrespective of
tribe or religion as the ultimate goal is to produce individuals that would be
adequately equipped to serve Nigeria and mankind whether at home or abroad’’.
Chief Mene further added that
the Education Trust will provide such assistance that would ensure that no
child would be hindered from reaching the utmost that his learning capacity and
drive could take him.”
He paid glowing tribute to
members of the Itsekiri Progress Club for their wonderful contributions to the
success and realisation of the dream, and equally assured that the Itsekiri
Education Trust, which will have trustees, management committee and staff, will
also be saddled with the responsibility of generating funds to finance capital
and recurrent costs of the institutions to be taken over or established until
such institutions become self-sustaining and profit yielding.
The nine-member Trust, has Dr.
Mark Erumi, Chaplain of Warri Kingdom, as Chairman, with Professors Alele
Williams, Gabriel Yomere, Omatseye and Doris Afejuku as members. Others include
Engineers Alex Neyin and Akperi, Chief Nelson Utieyone, while Mr. Lawrence
Ukubeyinje is the Secretary.
The event raised a total of
N16.5 million.
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