…as company donates books and learning materials to over 2000 students in Delta and Anambra schools
By Jennifer Yusuf
Communities in Okwe, Delta state and Obosi, Anambra state exploded with excitement recently 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.
No fewer than 2000 students benefitted 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.
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.” in the words of a community leader.
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.
“our gratitude cannot be quantified as we sincerely appreciate you, but like Oliver Twist, we solicit your assistance for the construction of a modern library. This in no small way will promote the citadel of learning culture.” she said.
Public Relations officer of the Second Niger Bridge project, Mr. Joseph Ojelabi thanked the school community for the welcome given the 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 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.”
In his vote of thanks, the Community Liaison Officer in the area, Mr, Ogbueshi Afam Ijeh thanked Julius Berger for the donations,
Representatives of the Okwe Ancestral Royal Council who were present at the ceremony 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. They all commended Julius Berger’s attention to their community’s needs.
