The Annunciation Catholic College Irrua old boys Association, ACCIOBA has commended the Governor Godwin Obaseki led administration in Edo State for its commitment to engendering sustainable development in the state through various pragmatic initiatives, including public-private partnership.
The Global President, ACCIOBA, Sir (Dr.) Paschal Isele, Ksji, Ph.D made the commendation in his welcome address during the grand reception in honour of five members of Governor Obaseki led Edo state cabinet with ties to the alma mater and the launching of the N500m hostel complex
He said they are encouraged by this and are capable and willing to partner with the state government in the funding and management of their alma mater under a unique arrangement similar to the charter school model in the United States of America.
“This model has already been adopted by Abia and Oyo state governments in their respective return of the government college Umuahia and government college Ibadan to the old boys of the schools. As an association we have a clear development plan for ACC Irrua and we are committed to working closely with the state Ministry of Education and Governor’s office as we execute identified projects.
“As grateful old boys who owe our successes in life to our alma mater, we strongly believe we have a duty to rebuild, protect and sustain the legacy of the founder of ACC Irrua, Rev. Anselm Ojefua. As part of our master plan to help ACC reclaim its status as one of the best secondary schools in Edo and Nigeria we recently completed the institution of a N100 million scholarship endowment fund to make ACC affordable and accessible to all current and future students who wish to attend the school.
“We built a 500 seat multipurpose hall, A- 6 bed room Corpers lodge, asphalting of the main road from the school gate to the Principal’s office, front and back perimeter fence, rehabilitation of the main gate and construction of a gatehouse, installation of the stature of the founding principal, Rev Father Anselm Ojefua and hiring of ten highly qualified teachers, Installation of internet services , hiring of security guards to protect the school against vandals, purchase of six lawn mowers, supply of boxes of text and exercise books, provision of a projector and several white boards and furnishing of staff room,” he added.
According to him, “the old boys are convinced that our Governor had no foreknowledge of today’s honourees relationship with ACC Irrua when he chose them as worthy lieutenants in his mission to advance all encompassing development in Edo state. This is providence at play and it is marvelous in our sights and we thank Mr. Governor and to our honourees we charge you to continue to be good ambassadors of ACC Irrua.”
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki who was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Osarodion Ogie, Esq. congratulated the awardees noting that the government is proud of all them.
On the thoughts of the state governor on secondary school education in the state, the SSG said the state government initially put emphasis on basic and technical education to ensure a right foundation is built across the state.
“We have turned around the Benin Technical College today and before we leave office we want to ensure that we have a technical college in each of the local government area. We have succeeded in Basic Education and now we have stepped up to the secondary education.
“There are issues over takeover of schools and we have to find a solution how the old boys will collaborate with government to put in place a sustainable system, set up an education foundation because it is not in every case that it is practicable.
“But as government we invite you to develop a system that will be sustainable and we are ready to partner with you to improve ACC Irrua,” he added.
There was presentation of awards to Hon. Andrew Adaze Emwanta, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Maria Edeko, Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Hon. Stephen Idenhenre, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Ozavize Salami, Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board and Mrs. Sarah Esangbedo Ajose-Adeogun, Special Adviser, Strategy, Policy, Projects and Performance Management.
The old boys from the various branches in Nigeria and North America as well as members of the Edo State Executive, permanent secretaries, and the chief launcher Prince and Princes Peter Okojie attended the occasion.
