By Ebi Kesiena
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has pledged to build an Information and Communication Centre, ICT, for the Baptist High School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This was announced by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, when the Commission’s management team, including the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai; the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde and other Directors of the Commission visited the school as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
The NDDC boss told the students: “We have come and we have seen. On behalf of the NDDC Board and Management, I announce that we will build an ICT Centre here. We will also renovate the school’s science building, the laboratory and install solar street lights in the school premises.
He said further: “Visiting the school gave me a nostalgic feeling because I also grew up in Port Harcourt. I feel at home being here. This is an opportunity to show the students and the young ones that we were also once like them.
I had a life-changing encounter when I was in primary school at Oromenike in Port Harcourt, the principal once told us to stop making noise because we are future leaders. That resonated with me and I made up my mind that I will one day be in leadership position. So, you can see people like us as role models.”
In his remarks, Hon. Alabo Iyaye, noted that the strongest foundation for anyone was usually laid at the secondary school level, stating: “The Baptist High School made me who I am today. I want to encourage the young ones and show them that the future is bright for them. Whatever you are passing through today will help you to build a better tomorrow.”
He said that in addition to the ICT Centre, promised by the NDDC, he would on his own renovate the school’s tennis court and provide the sports kits for the students. He also donated two sets of football jerseys and recalled that his career in sports administration started in the school.
The NDDC Executive Director presented 10 sets of desk top computers to be installed in the ICT Centre, which he said would be completed within six months. He also presented 20 bags of rice and other foodstuff, as well as a cash donation of N2 million to the school.
The National president of the Baptist High School Old Boys Association, Prince Ifeanyichukwu Ejiofor, expressed delight at the presence of the NDDC management team at the school as part of its corporate social responsibility.
He observed: “I am pleased that the NDDC management is here today with Alabo Iyaye. We appeal to the Commission to help us equip our science laboratory and rehabilitate our dilapidated school.”
The Vice Principal of the school, Mr. Godwin Ugonna, said that the presence of the NDDC management team would help to inspire the students to aspire to greatness. He pleaded: “The old students should not to give up on their alma mater. The school is nothing without the support of the old students.”
The school’s Senior Prefect, Master Ibifobara Princewill, thanked the NDDC for remembering the school and promising to build an ICT Centre for them.
The NDDC team also visited the Home for the Elderly, run by the Catholic Church in Port Harcourt and the Compassion Centre, a home for physically challenged children in Port Harcourt.
