By Donald Iorchir
The People of Japan has donated two blocks of six classrooms at L.E.A primary school, Chukuku in Kuje area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.
They also donated one block of four classrooms at LEA primary school Kontagora estate in Gwagwalada area council of FCT.
At the commissioning and handing over ceremony of the blocks of class rooms, the chairman Kuje area council, Hon. Ishaku Shaban Tete, represented by his vice, Hon. Mohammed Baba, said he had the privilege and honour to be part of the epoch event, especially, as it affected the education of children.
He said this was not the first time Nigeria wass receiving such gesture from the Japanese government, according to him, “they have always been our partners in progress, particularly in Kuje Area Council.
Tete said, the education sector could not be undermined “as it goes a long way in developing the man power sector in the country as the need for a conducive leaning environment is inevitable”.
Earlier, the head teacher of LEA Primary School, Chukuku, Mrs. Tukura Elizabeth, said the project was primarily executed to bring about an improved child friendly learning environment and also provide conducive atmosphere for teachers to be able to teach effectively.
Speaking at the occasion, the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria Mr. Ryuichi Shoji, represented by the deputy head of mission, Embassy of Japan, Mr. Masaya Otsuka, said he was pleased to see the successful construction of LEA Primary Schools in Chukuku, Kuje and Gwagwalada area councils.
He expressed gratitude to implementing partners, the Girls’ Rights Agenda International, FCT Universal Basic Education Board, schools P.T.A, Chukuku and Gwagwalada community, as well as people, who contributed to the construction of the school.
He stated that, Embassy of Japan had been making efforts in tackling socio-economic problems and improving the lives of people at the grass root levels in Nigeria, under the frame work called Grant Assistance for Grass Root Human Security Project.
He stated that the total amount of grant has exceeded $10 million, pointing out that he was glad to see some of the successfully completed project.
“Here in Chukuku, we are handing over one block of six classrooms, one headmaster’s office with toilet, 150 set of desk and chairs for students and seven tables and 15 chairs for teachers to realise a more conducive and hygienic learning environment.
“In Kontagora Estate Primary School, Gwagwalada, one block of 4 classrooms with two offices, 130 set of furniture, four blocks of 16 VIP toilets and portable water were handed over to FCT universal basic education board (UBEB).
The vice chairman, Center for Development And Partnership(CEDEP) the facilitator of Gwagwalada project, Hajiya Jibrin Abdullahi, said (CEDEP) came from Bauchi to execute this project, which has now become part of the history of Kontagora estate and will continue to maintain the cordial relation for more development for the advantage of Gwagwalada Area Council.
Earlier, the executive chairman FCT UBEB, Alhaji Umar Barau Ningi thanked the people of Japan for the opportunity given to us to implementing the project and hope will continue to enjoy the mutual relationship for the benefit of all Nigerians.
