…Describes Community school renovation as first of its kind in Okigwe.
By Steve OsuJi
Ibeme had her day in the sun on January 4, 2024 as the N25 million renovation work of Ibeme Community School,ICS was handed over to the education authorities.
It was a solemn occasion which had in attendance, the two traditional rulers of Ibemeland, representatives of chairman of Imo State Universal Basic Education Board, Executive Secretary of Isiala-Mbano Education Board, among others.
Ibeme Unity and Development Initiative,IUDI, initiators of the school renovation, was represented by Barr. Chibuzor Osuji, Management Committee chairman. Other IUDI members present were Vice Chairman, Celestine Uche and its Secretary,, Emma Olubiri. Also present were Hon. Steve Osuji, Ezinwa Chris Njoku, Mr. Placid Eziefule, Chief Mbadiwe Aloziem, Mr Bede Eziefule, Mrs Ngozi Osuji, and Chief Ken Osuji.
Hon. Bright Nwachukwu, Member of SUBEB (Okigwe zone), who stood in for SUBEB Chairman, Lady Ada Okwuonu was full of praise for Ibeme people’s communal spirit and self-help drive.
Hon. Nwachukwu who said he was in ICS sometime ago, marvelled at the transformation that had taken place in such as short time.
He said: “As I approached the school, I was wondering whether I was in the right place… Ibeme people have done a marvellous job here. I must tell you that this is the first self-help project in Okigwe since I joined SUBEB. I have seen one or two in Orlu and Owerri, this is the first in Okigwe.”
Hon. Nwachukwu commended IUDI in particular and Ibeme people in general for being a model community that chise to take their own destiny in their hand.
He promised to take a special interest in matters concerning Ibeme Community School henceforth. He would ensure the school has requisite number of teachers and its share of relief materials.
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of IUDI Management Committee, Barrister Chibuzor Osuji told the gathering that IUDI is a registered NGO of Ibeme people and that the renovation project “was a testament to the transformative powers of unity and communal spirit.” He explained how the renovation of ICS had to be the priority project of IUDI, noting that education was the cornerstone of progress in any society.
Barr. Osuji said other projects like the deflooding of Ibeme markets were in the horizon. He called for government’s support.
Their Royal Highnesses, Eze Celestine Okoroike of Ibeme Ancient Kingdom and Eze Samuel Amaefule of Ibeme Amaise in their remarks, were full of praise for IUDI. They recalled how they had gathered at the same venue a few months ago to offer prayers and give their blessings at the commencement of the project. They didn’t expect to be back so soon for the handover of the completed renovation.
Hon. Nwachukwu later cut the tape as a symbol of handover and led his team to a tour of the renovated school.
IUDI is a self-help body initiated in 2022 by concerned Ibeme people to help drive the development of their land. Donations for the renovation of ICS had come in cash and in kind. Using direct labour and ensuring transparency and judicious use of funds to achieve stated goals in record time.
