The governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, on Tuesday, in Owerri, the state capital, explained Government’s decision to expend the sum of N7.5bn on the state-owned secondary and primary schools in the state.
In a statement availed Daily Nigerian Horn, and signed by his chief press secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, entitled: “Governor Rochas Okorocha releases N7.5bn for the renovation of all the secondary & primary schools in the state,” states the Government’s intention was made known during the unveiling and distribution of new school bags to students and pupils at the Heroes Square.
The governor said work would commence immediately to enable Government complete it before May 29, 2019.
The statement recalled that at the inception of his free education programme the governor gave the students and pupils free sandals, desks, uniforms, bags and employed more than four thousand teachers and remodelled the premier schools in Owerri and its environs to enable the free education programme to take off on a very solid foundation.
“I’ve just come to dramatize our love for education. And today we can see that the free education has done well in Imo State. The programme can be adjudged successful from all indications. I am grateful to all the teachers for keeping the flag of free education flying,” the governor stated.
According to him, “Let me say to all of you that you may recall that seven years ago I was elected your governor, my first pronouncement was that let education be free so that the children of the less-privileged can go to school. I started with that by giving free education, and also giving stipends, uniforms, sandals, desks, chairs, etc.
“Today as I exit in a very short time as your governor I want to conclude with education…”
He thanked those who had helped in keeping the education light on. As I speak now, I want to announce to you that my parting gift to the people of Imo State in the education sector is the immediate release of N7.5bn for the renovation of all the secondary and primary schools in Imo State.”
He also announced the release of the sum N1,000,000 to each of the schools for their pocket money, adding that every pupil and student is entitled to a bag each.
He equally announced that the best overall pupils or students in the respective schools should get N10, 000 each, and approved the same amount for the teachers and tutors in those schools.
Okorocha promised students with oratory communication power automatic tickets to the United States on holiday on the Rochas Okorocha Foundation.
-NIGERIANHORN-
