Uzoma Akobundu
Communities in Okwe, Delta State and Obosi, Anambra State exploded with excitement last week when engineering construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC notched up its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to the two states hosting the Second Niger bridge still under construction.
Put together, no fewer than 2000 students benefited from Julius Berger’s donation of learning
materials including school bags, books and related learning materials at Okwe Secondary School, Okwe, Delta state and Community Secondary School, Obosi, Anambra state.
Excited students of Okwe Secondary School, Okwe, Delta state after receiving their free learning materials from Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.
At Community Secondary School, Okwe, the excitement that enveloped the entire school made up of over 1900 students caught up with the teachers and community leaders who also sang praises of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC “for its very healthy sense of corporate social responsibility by which it gives back to benefit its host communities.”
After a brief introduction by the leader of Julius Berger’s CSR team at the event, Mr. James Agama, the Principal of the school, Comrade Patricia Okonji in her welcome address said the school founded in 2007 “has no functional library, science laboratories, home economics laboratory, adequate classroom blocks and other facilities.”
She added: “our gratitude cannot be quantified as we sincerely appreciate you, but like Oliver
Twist, we solicit your assistance with the construction of a modern library. This in no small
way will promote the citadel of learning culture.”
Public Relations officer of the Second Niger Bridge project, Mr. Joseph Ojelabi thanked the school community for the welcome given Julius Berger’s team.
According to him, “we are constructing the Second Niger bridge between Delta
and Anambra states. As is our traditional and historical operational philosophy, we are happy to support our operational communities, especially by investing in the schools and children which holds the future of the communities. This is the reason Julius Berger is here today to give books and other educational materials to the students; and we challenge you, the
students to study the books being donated and utilise the other materials, as
they will benefit you a lot as you build for your future success.”
Some students of Community Secondary School, Obosi displaying bags of learning materials received from Julius Berger PLC.
In his vote of thanks, the Community Liaison Officer in the area, Mr, Ogbueshi Afam
Ijeh thanked Julius Berger for the donations.
He said: “On behalf of His Royal Highness of this community, the school and
students, I thank Julius Berger for this effort and donation of study materials
to the students. We never knew it will be this large.”
He, however, requested Julius Berger to assist the school with a library which he said would be named Julius Berger Library, Okwe.
Excerpts of the book donated was read by the Head of the school’s literary club, Miss Christabel Okonkwo and a JS 1 student, Ikechukwu Chiamaka.
Representatives of the Okwe Ancestral Royal Council include: Chairman, Okwe
Development Union, Diokpa Henry Orakwe, his assistant, Pastor Chuka Akaraiwe,
Secretary of the Union, Akaraiwe Charles and the CLO Ogbueshi Afam Ijeh graced
the event. They all commended Julius Berger’s attention to their community’s
needs.
Previously at Community Secondary School, Obosi in Idemili North Local
Government Area of Anambra state, it was also commendation galore for Julius
Berger’s CSR efforts even as stakeholders in the community at the event asked for
more from the company.
Julius Berger’s team distributed study materials including books and writing
materials to hundreds of students and their teachers.
Senior Prefect of the school, Master Promise Nwankwo in his vote of thanks said,
“we appreciate God first and then Julius Berger for what they have done
today. We will always remember you in our prayers. … We also have need for
apparatuses for our science laboratories as well as sports facilities.”
The school principal, Mrs Ifebi Nwogo also commended and thanked Julius Berger
for the donation of books and learning materials to the school and students.
Elated students of the school jubilated with their bags of learning materials just as
they raised them high chorusing: “God bless Julius Berger” repeatedly.
Beside the Principal, her deputy, Mrs Caroline Obiageli Oguegbu among others also
hailed Julius Berger’s efforts.
Julius Berger’s Media Liaison Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Isibor was also in the
company’s CSR team at the events.