The Police Command in Edo on Tuesday inaugurated another police children’s school II in Benin, made up of two blocks of 11 classrooms.
Edo Commissioner for Police (CP), Phillip Ogbadu, in his opening remarks, disclosed that the newly-built School at Adesuwa barracks was formerly under the control of Police children school I, Ogida barracks.
He noted that on his arrival in Edo as the CP, he paid an impromptu visit to all the units within the command.
He added that on visiting the school it was a “slum” as there were more than 50 pupils in a class, separated by dilapidated ply-wood.
“The head teacher and office and staff room were an eye sore. I made up my mind not to visit the school until I leave Benin.
“But on second thought, I had to consider how best we can help these little ones and the staff whose daily schedule and living are based on the school”.
The CP said this prompted him to begin to nurse the dream of constructing a permanent structure for the primary school, because their present accommodation was a transit camp for junior police officers transfered to the command.
He disclosed that the dream of building the school, however, caught the attention of the Christ Embassy Church, who then came to the project site and inspected the plan when the project was at the excavation stage.
“They informed us that they will take over the building of one block.
“This amazed us because it showed us that the society, the government, and the profession I belong to may forget some people, but the church has refused to forget these people”.
Ogbadu revealed that one block of six classrooms was constructed exclusively by the Christ Embassy Church, while the second block was constructed by the command but financed by well-meaning Edo indigenes, clerics and cooperate organisations.
He appreciated the Edo government for providing the enabling environment and financial support for the project and several other undertakings.
He, however solicited for support to assist in the remaining facilities like the administrative block, sporting and game facilities, furniture, generator and computers, among others.
Meanwhile, Edo Deputy Governor, Phillips Shaibu, who was the special guest at the event, described the facility as another investment in the upbringing of children.
Shaibu also said that the need to teach children aright could not be over-emphasised, hence the decision for an educational reform that would deal with learning and punctuality in schools across the state.
He noted that the state wants to build children who are skilled and confident.
He commended the CP for giving back to the command by ensuring that police officers’ children get conducive environment for learning, and promised that the state government would consider his request and appeal. (NAN)
