The President of Ovu Foundation, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh delivering his address at the ceremony
By Oguns Sunny
UVu Foundation has empowered many school pupils in Ovu Community with writing materials such as books, biro and others. The flag off ceremony which took place on Thursday at Oviore Model Primary School in Ovu in Ethiope East Local Government Area, was well attended by both the pupils and teachers.
Speaking at the programme, the President of the Foundation, Engr.Prof, Akpofure Rim-Rukeh said the Foundation is Non- Governmental and Non- profit organization established with the desire of some of the elites of the Community’s origin to give back to the community what they have gained. According to him, the Foundation has been in existence for the past 15 years to carry out these books and other learning materials distribution, quiz competition, teachers’ development, scholarship scheme and education sensitization adding that,at present, four children in Ovu Community enjoy scholarship in secondary schools as, the oldest of the children is already in Senior Secondary (SSI).
The empowered pupils
The President said,the Foundation, with the current trend in educational system in the country, has initiated the construction of Computer Base Test(CBT) Centre at Oviorie-Ovu which is almost completed. His words: His words: ” The Foundation, going by the current trend in the educational department in the country, has initiated the construction of Computer Base Test at Oviorie-Ovu which is currently near completion“
According to him, educational materials distribution for the day include 800 copies of 2 A and B exercise books, 3000 copies of 40 leaves and 3,600 copies of 60 leaves exercise books. Also distributed 2000 biros and pencils. He said, it is hoped that all these would help to encourage both pupils, teachers and parents to improve the educational standards of the community. Prof. Rim-Rukeh therefore used the medium to call on well meaning individuals and Corporate Organizations in Ovu Community to join hands with the organization to improve on the pupils’ educational pursuit in the area.
One of the pupils being presented with the gift items by the President ,Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh
His words:” Permit me to use this medium to call on well meaning individuals and Corporate Organizations in Ovu Community to join the crusade that education still pays and assist the Foundation in achieving her goal of attaining the United Nations Educational Standard for literate society. Ovu Foundation is open for both facilities and financial assistance in achieving this goal.”
The schools that benefited include: Okuodi Primary School, Unuame Primary School, TEA Salubi Primary School, Oviorie Model Primary school, Ezebue Primary School, Urhodo Primary School, Agbaga Primary School, Ejoyovwi Primary School, and Ovu Junction Primary School.
In his response, the Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area Hon. Chief Augustine Usinefu Ogedegbe represented by Secretary, LG, Hon.Ebojoh Ojeh Francis thanked the foundation for this great job just he promised to support the foundation in whatever way he can to put smiles on the faces of these children.
Teachers in attendance
On their part, the Chief inspector of Education, Ethiope East, Eghwjorwo Joseph represented by Onakpoma Ann and the Head teacher, Oviorie Model Primary School, Dr. Mrs Juliet Ataine expressed gratitude for the Foundation for empowering the pupils with learning materials.
According to the duo, the exercise would help to lift off the burden of their parents’ buying books especially at this harsh economic clime in Nigeria. They therefore prayed God to bless the Foundation for it to grow in lips and bound to enable it cater for more children in the society. They also appealed to the Foundation to extend the gestures to other communities in the area. The climax of the programme was the distribution of the writing materials to the students amidst amid cheers.