By Francis Sadhere, Warri

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state and Dr Michael Tidi, Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area of Delta state, on Wednesday applauded the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Joint Venture and Chevron Nigeria Limited, for inaugurating a three classroom blocks to the pupils of Edjeba Primary School in Warri South Local Government Area.

The duo gave this commendation in Warri during the official handover ceremony of the 3-Classroom Block donated to Edjeba Primary School, Edjeba, Delta State by the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture.

Okowa who was represented by Mr Eweta Peters, thanked NNPC and Chevron for the handing over. He tasked the community to maintain the facility for the benefits of their children.

Tidi said it was a thing of joy to be part of the ceremony noting that the project is a legacy project that would be enjoyed by pupils of the school for a long time.

“It is a thing of joy to be invited to commission this school that will be beneficial to the people of Warri South Local Government Area. On behalf of the Warri South Local Government Area, I want to say a big thank you donating this classroom block to the Edjeba community,” Tidi said.

Earlier, the Chairman & Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Rick Kennedy, said the ceremony has further illustrated their commitment to improving the quality of education in Nigeria.

Kennedy, represented by Mr Rilwanu Momodu, Chevron’s Area Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Field Operations, noted that their social investment activities in the field of education speak for themselves in all communities and go a long way to support the nation and government in the achievement of its sustainable development goals.

“I am also pleased to announce that this is not the only programme aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians that we are embarking on. The NNPC/CNL Joint Venture has also made social investments in areas of solar-powered water project and drainage in this community and we continue to pursue other areas of benefit to all our stakeholders.

“We remain deeply dedicated to improving the quality of life in our society and we will continue to invest in the communities through the provision of various infrastructures and other identified needs.

“Your excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank the government and people of Delta State and the Edjeba community for their partnership in ensuring the successful execution and completion of this project.

“I encourage the beneficiary school to make judicious use of this facility for the benefit of the good people of Edjeba,” Kennedy said.

On her part Mrs Rose Ezewu, Delta state commissioner for Primary Education, said the ceremony was timely as the project will provide additional accommodation space when the school resumes for the second term of the 2022/2023.

She said was happy and immensely proud that Chevron Nigeria Limited could successfully follow through on the project for the Edjeba Primary School.

“In this light, it is worthy to note that the State Government appreciates all forms of intervention in the education sector and it has been a hallmark of the administration of His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa the Governor of Delta State to engage other stakeholders in achieving tangible development in education and other sectors of the State. This is why there is cooperation and progress in our State

“Furthermore, I wish to extend the gratitude of the State Government and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in particular, to the persons that have made this donation possible.

“No doubt, this project will continue to impact the school environment and the community as a whole. While we commend you on your sterling efforts, I would like to encourage you to continue to intervene in other areas of need within the school to compliment the strides of the State Government,” Ezewu said.

Mr Matthew Opuoru, member representing Warri South Constituency II in the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), also thanked NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture for handing over the school to the stage government.