The Old Students’ Association of Community Comprehensive High School, Ikaram-Akoko, Ondo State, has donated a lodge worth N40 million to accommodate National Youth Service Corps members posted to the community.

The inauguration of the lodge on the school premises, was attended by government officials, alumni members and community leaders.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority, Oyetunde Ojo, commended the old students for giving back to their alma mater and contributing to the development of the community.

Mr Ojo, who assured residents of the community that the bad portion of the Arigidi–Ikaram road would be repaired, urged them to support the initiatives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“I have informed the relevant authorities to repair the bad portion of the road. I have been using the road for the past nine years. I commend you for giving back to your school, and I will also assist in furniture work of the entire place. I urge you to support President Bola Tinubu, who has a vision of making this country great.

“I also commend the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for the reforms he is carrying out in the ministry, and I applaud Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as well for his giant strides,” he said.

Also speaking, the Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, applauded the alumni for the gesture and called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate them.

Ajibefun, represented by the Tutor-General of Ondo North, Adebayo Ajimuda, said the state government had continued to strengthen the education sector through teacher recruitment, school renovation and other interventions.

In his remarks, the President of the Old Students Association, Festus Dada, lauded the association’s members and harped on the need for unity to attract more infrastructural development to the school.

“This project was fully sponsored by us, the members, no external funding, just our collective will and resources. You have proven once again that when we put our minds and resources together, we can achieve greatness.

“A special and thunderous appreciation goes to our immediate past president for his visionary leadership, selfless service, and tireless efforts that laid the solid foundation for this achievement.

“My dear members, let us use this occasion to renew our call for greater unity. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is impossible when we stand united. With unity of purpose, the sky is only our starting point,” he said.

Commending the gesture, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Omowunmi Bakare, described the donation as impactful, calling for better stipends and other improved welfare for corps members.

Ms Bakare, represented by the NYSC Inspector for the Akoko Zonal Office, Oluwafemi Awe, said, “This project showcases the collective effort and community spirit of impacting meaningfully on the lives of our corps members in Ikaram community.

She said, “As we embark on this journey today, let us remember that the strength of partnership is defined not solely by agreements or protocols but by our genuine willingness to invest in one another.”

Former president of the association, Olurotimi Daudu urged beneficiaries to maintain the facility and enjoined other well-meaning Nigerians to support similar initiatives.

The Community Development Service coordinator, Mr Gabriel Ogunsakin, thanked the alumni and pledged that the lodge would be put to judicious use. 

(NAN)