By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

KOGI State Government says it has so far expended the sum of N1.64 billion in the upgrade of some of its primary schools.

Wada.. governor of Kogi state

Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Wada, who disclosed this at the commissioning of rehabilitated and constructed schools by Oladele Oyelola foundation at Ayegunle Gbede, Iyah Gbede and Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Governments of the state, said the state government equally expended another N1.35 billion in upgrading structures and facilities in selected post primary schools across the state.

Represented by his Deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, Wada listed Abdulazeez Atta Memorial College, Okene, Government Secondary School, Dekina, St. Augustine’s College Kabba, and Titcombe College, Egbe amongst some of the schools undergoing upgrade in the state.

According to him, “as a product of public school, and having enjoyed considerable opportunities that made it possible for me to pursue my academic careers despite the economic status of my parents, I am propelled to improve the physical conditions of public schools in the state to what it was in the past.

“Education is a right and not a privilege. Government will, in 2015, further boost education by committing over N5 billion to the provision of structural, instructional and social facilities in primary and basic schools in the state.”

The Governor described education as the safest way in ensuring sustainable development through the continuous provision of knowledge and skills to the younger generation.

, also commended the founder for his effort in the education sector, “I commended Mr. Oladele Oyelola, the Founder of Oladele Oyelola Foundation for his resolve at promoting human capital development and empowerment. His contributions are in line with the philosophy and the desire of this administration to restore the lost glory and the public confidence in public schools in the State.”.

In her address, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Mrs Agnes Okai, lauded the contribution of Oladele Oyelola foundation in complementing the efforts of the state government in improving learning and teaching in public schools.

Dr Okai assured that the facility provided would be put into good use and for the enhanced standard of education in the State.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Oladele Oyelola, founder of Oladele Oyelola Foundation, said he was moved to upgrade the standard of the schools in appreciation of the efforts the state government has put into renovating several other public schools in the area.

“The funding of education, considered the bedrock of sustainable development all over the world can no longer be left in the hands of government alone. I urged other individuals with means, to aside giving back to the society by contributing to the upgrade of school facilities, partner with the State Government in developing the education sector.”