By Oronsaye James Valentine
In its continuous commitment to supporting educational institutions and creating optimal learning environments for schools around its host communities of operations, Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited has commissioned 3 sets of renovated schools in Ondo and Ogun States respectively.
The schools include a block of three classrooms in Ilusin Grammar School, Ogun Waterside Local Government area, Ogun State, a block of four classrooms with Library and administrative offices in Community High School, Araromi Estate, and a block of Six Classrooms in Araromi Obu Community Grammar School both in Ondo State.
The event which took place on Wednesday 10th of January 2024 was attended by the Managing Director of Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited Olivier Odoukou, the Security and Public Relations Coordinator Dayo Ikusika, representative of the Kabiyesi of Araromi-Obu community, Chief Odofin Akimusere, Representatives of the Commissioners of Education, Science and Technology of Ondo and Ogun States, teachers, students, and parents.
Addressing the dignitaries at the commissioning, the Managing Director of Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited Olivier Odoukou expressed satisfaction on the completion of the projects which were completed within a short period. He mentioned that the company’s investment in education is part of its sustainable development strategy aimed at ensuring that students within its host communities of operations have a good and conducive learning environment that will secure a better future for them.
He urged the students and management of the schools to make good use of the facility and guard them with jealousy so they will serve the purpose they are meant for, as he promises that the company will always support the infrastructural development of its host communities as a way of giving back to the communities on whose land the company operates.In their remark, the representatives of the Commissioners of Education, Science and Technology from Ondo and Ogun States, noted that the gesture from RENL management is apt owing to the present decay in educational facilities in the States. They mentioned that educational investment remains key to arresting youth restiveness in the society and thanked the management of the Company for its role in advancing the course of education in their states. They however urged the school managements to see the gesture as a wake-up call to contribute their part in preparing the students for a better future.
Also, the principals of the benefitting schools (Ilusin Grammar School, Community Grammar School, Araromi Obu and Community High School, Araromi Estate) thanked the Managing Director of the Company Olivier Odoukou for investing in educational infrastructures in their schools. They mentioned that the renovated blocks of classrooms, supply of desks and chairs as well as the reactivation of solar power system in the schools will not just create a conducive environment for learning but will help to attract educational pursuit to the community youths.
In appreciation, students from the benefiting schools showered encomium on the Managing Director of the Company Olivier Odoukou for his foresight in ensuring a better future for the youths through education. They noted that the management has made learning easy and attractive for them. The gesture they said has taken a huge burden off the government shoulder and assures that the facility will be maintained for the overall good of all.
Highpoints of the ceremony was the official commissioning and handing-over of the projects to the school managements for use and maintenance.