Soun commissions 12-classroom complex donated by Total Energies at Ogbomoso Grammar School - 1st in Oyo state

Soun commissions 12-classroom complex donated by Total Energies at Ogbomoso Grammar School – 1st in Oyo state

Femi OGUNLANA

The Areago High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin who represented the Soun Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye cutting the symbolic tape to inaugurate the magnificent edifice

Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III Thursday (September 4) commissioned and inaugurated a 12-classroom building complex at Ogbomoso Grammar School, donated by Total Energies Ltd and other partners including Mosiland Engineering Ltd, SAPETRO, CNOOC, and Meren, which are all operators of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL).

The gigantic project fully supplied with electricity and expected to improve classroom infrastructure, boasts fully equipped four science laboratories, state-of-the-art ICT centre, 12 classrooms (with desks and other teaching and learning items spread across two floors) a library, a store, a cleaners’ room, an administrative building comprising fully furnished offices for the principal, vice principal, and other academic staff, a reception, sickbay as well as toilets.

In her welcome address the principal Dr Adewumi Tolani expressing gratitude to the donors delightedly noted the project would “improve the academic status at the community level” and assured it would be put to good use.

The Oyo state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Hon Olusegun Olayiwola, also in a remark delivered by Dr. Paul Oyedokun (Permanent Secretary/Inspector General of Education Ogbomoso Zone 1) appreciated the donors and other organisations complementing government’s efforts in achieving state’s educational objectives, while expressing confidence the facility would contribute meaningfully towards facilitating “quality of teaching and learning in the school.”

Highlighting some of the achievements of the Engr Seyi Makinde-led administration, Hon Olayiwola called on all stakeholders for “cooperation and collaboration,” just as he submitted, “This period calls for greater sacrifice of all, for us to bequeath a befitting future for our younger generation.”

Earlier, in a virtual address, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, the Managing Director, Total Energies Upstream Nigeria Limited, delivering the keynote address, through Mr. Lucky DEEKOR (Manager CSR Strategy and Performance), remarked the project was inspired by its commitment to providing “quality education to school children in Ogbomoso and other neighbouring towns in Oyo State.”

Mr. Bouyer informed the project aims to reduce number of out-of-school children and aid teaching and learning of science subjects in a practical way, pointing out it resonates with “Goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” on “inclusive and equitable quality education and promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all” and promotion of decent education.

Other interventions according to Buoyer are investments in scholarship schemes, empowerment of teachers by supporting university lecturers with science and engineering backgrounds for overseas’ training “to acquire cutting-edge skills and technical know-how to impart contemporary knowledge to students,” provision of geoscience resources to six universities across the country among others, while promising to continue to invest in educational infrastructure.

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Engr. Oluwaseyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, speaking through Mrs Nkechi Anaedobe (Head Business Services), also in a virtual presentation, maintained the facility is a “testament to our commitment to supporting education and empowering the next generation.”

“We believe that quality education is key to unlocking individual’s potentials and driving community development,” averring it would provide a conductive learning environment and enhance education experience of the students.

Engr Omotowa expressed the company’s pride “to invest in the future of Ogbomoso’s youth,” submitting “we are confident that this facility will have a lasting impact on the community.”

Thanking the project partners, the Oyo state government, the community and the beneficiary school for their support he said, “May it serve as a hub of learning, innovation and growth, inspiring students to reach their full potentials.”

The Permanent Secretary/Tutor General TESCOM Ogbomoso zone, Mrs. Gbemisola Beyioku similarly expressed appreciation to the donors maintaining the project has come at an appropriate time when Oyo state government is amplifying efforts to return out-of-school children to classes, just recruited large number of staff and widening disarticulation of schools. She urged the staff and students on adequate maintenance of the facility.

The project was commissioned by the Soun who was represented by the Areago of Ogbomosoland High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin. He commended the initiative and effusively thanked the donors maintaining it aligns with his 25 year-development plan.

The Oba also called on other illustrious sons and daughters of the community to facilitate projects and contribute to the development of the city.

Mrs. Opeyemi Lawumi Ladipo, former Group General Manager Human Resources of NNPCL, a “shon of the soil” who retired on 2021, and was in company of her husband, Brig Gen Samuel Gbenga Ladipo (rtd) hailed the project asserting NNPCL is committed to contributing to enhancing education development in the country.

Meanwhile it’s learnt that is the first of such project in Oyo state.

Many dignitaries attended the event (see in photo section).

Dr Paul Oyedokun, PS/IGE Ogbomoso zone 1, hands over the keys of the model building to Dr Tolani and Mr. Adetutu, principals of Ogbomoso Grammar School 1 and 2 respectively. The Areago, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin (extreme right) and Alaroje of Aroje Ogbomoso, Chief Oyedola Sulaiman complete the front row

From right: AIG Sheu Babalola (rtd), Alhaji Abdulrasheed Ayinla Ragaray Executive Suites CEO, Mr..Gboye Otunla at the event

From right: Mrs. Gbemisola Bayioku, PS/TG TESCOM zonal office Ogbomoso, Dr Tolani, Prof Olusegun Ajiboye, Dr Oyedokun

Students of the school (front row)

Engr Philip Adebayo project manager, a director at Mosiland Engineering Ltd giving a brief of the project

Dr Paul Oyedokun

From left: Alaroje, Chief Oyedola Sulaiman; Alaasa of Ogbomoso, High Chief Joseph Oyelola; Iyalode of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Oluwakemi Ogundare; Ikolaba of Ogbomosoland, High Chief David Ojo among others; Brig Gen Samuel Gbenga Ladipo and his wife Mrs..Oyeyemi Lawumi

Prof Olusegun Ajiboye, immediate past Registrar Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria TRCN and who is chairman Education Committee of Oba Ghandi’s 25 year-development plan, unveiling the project plaque

PS/TG TESCOM zonal office Ogbomoso Mrs Gbemisola Beyioku

From right: Barrister Sheu Muhammed, Mr. Christopher Adebayo Alamu and Mr. Isaac Oladejo ABODUNRIN (the three representing Old Students’ Association of Ogbomoso Grammar School)