Nigerian Army Renovates Children School In Delta

By Omonigho Odens

In its bid to make teaching and learning comfortable and enjoyable for teachers and pupils, the Nigerian Army, Sector 1 Command in collaboration with the Delta State Government, as well as some private individuals, have renovated the children school in the Nigerian Army Barracks 3 Battalion in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Commander of the Nigerian Army, Sector 1 Command, Col. Alhassan Grema, in a chat with newsmen said they embarked on the renovation of the school because it was in deplorable state.

Col. Grema who disclosed that he attended the Army Children School during his primary education, described the school as an “eyesore” saying, “it was in bad shape.”

He added: “Pupils sit on the ground. Whenever it rains, there won’t be classes. To the glory of God with the help, massive assistance from the Delta State Government and our very good friends here in Warri and support from the Army Headquarters, as well as Operations Delta Safe, we were able to make this little contribution you can you see there now.”

While noting that education is the best legacy parents can bequeath their children, Col. Grema appealed to Nigerians in positions of authority to give primary education the needed attention, importance and pride of place it needs in the educational system.

The Head Teacher of Army Children School, Comrade (Mrs.) Dianah Ekpan, said Col. Grema is the saviour God sent to redeem the school.

Ekpan said, “He came in and he felt that something should be done here because it’s becoming a dustbin and children are running away.

“So, he deemed it fit to start renovation work. He did all these beautiful things you are seeing even up to this office.”

The Assistant Head Master of the Army Children School, Comrade Ovrija .J.I. who corroborated the claims of the head teacher said the achievement of the Army boss is “indescribable” in the past three years.

He noted that the Sector Commander was able to bring the school out of shame.

He urged other Sector Commanders in the Country to emulate the good works of Col. Grema.

“Apart from that, other Nigerians that are in position should be able to use their position to affect human lives especially when we are talking of children, the future leaders, they should be able to help them.”

A teacher of the School, Lucky Etaghene expressed excitement over the development.

Etaghene said: “Wow, am short of words; anyway but all our gratitude goes to the Sector Commander for what he has done for us.

“Col. Grema has really done well for us and the children as you can see. My hands are no longer stained because am now using a marker compared to before that we were using chalks and dusters and more.

“He gave us water, he gave us life, he gave us light because changes mean life to me and I pray the good Lord bless him earnestly and reward his kind heart.”

A Primary 6B Pupil of the School, Obinna Miracle said, “Am very happy for the school they have renovated. I am very happy for the Sector Commander to come to this school. He has given us good things.

“Before now, we have not been using white board. We have been using chalk board and we have been sitting on bare floor. I thank he Sector Commander and the Government for this thing.”

Prior to the renovation, Army Children School was in a deplorable state but it now wears a new look.

Oasis Magazine reports that the school is now stocked with state of the arts facilities to aid teaching and learning.