- Board of Governing Council describes intervention as “historic”
The Board of Governing Council of Okene Secondary School (OSS), Ukpogo, Okene, Kogi State, has commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the ongoing total rehabilitation of the school’s classrooms and environment.
The commendation is contained in an open letter signed by the Board’s Chairman, Engr. Yakubu Yisah Adajah, on behalf of the Board, management, staff, students, old students and the wider school community.
The Board said the intervention came at a defining moment for an institution that has contributed immensely to educational development in Ebiraland, Kogi State and Nigeria.
Established in 1944, the school is 82 years old and has produced distinguished Nigerians and foreign nationals who have made meaningful contributions to society.
According to the Board, years of neglect, institutional challenges and poor management had brought the once-celebrated school to the brink of collapse. Its facilities deteriorated, its environment became overgrown with vegetation, and its future appeared uncertain.
“You have not simply approved the rehabilitation of school buildings; you have invested in the restoration of an educational legacy and the future of generations yet unborn,” the letter said.
The Board described the ongoing comprehensive rehabilitation as a development that “will remain indelible in the history of Okene Secondary School.”
It also acknowledged the dedication, professionalism and commitment of the military personnel, contractors and other teams working on the project.
The Board said the intervention showed that the Nigerian Army’s contribution to national development goes beyond its constitutional duty of defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
“Investment in education is also an investment in national security, human capital development and a better society,” it said.
The Board prayed that God would continue to grant the Army chief wisdom, strength and greater accomplishments in his service to the country.
It assured him that it would work towards protecting, maintaining and maximising the benefits of the investment.
The Board added that it looked forward to the successful completion of the project and to welcoming the Chief of Army Staff to the school to see the transformation.
The letter noted that future students may never know the full story of how their school was rescued, but will continue to enjoy the legacy of the intervention.
