The Executive Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Florence Wenegieme, has called for more private initiatives to complement the government’s efforts aimed at providing development and necessary amenities.

Ms Wenegieme made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja while commending the Rotary Club of Abuja Sapphire for joining hands with the FCT Minister, Nyeson Wike, in improving the welfare for the people.

She spoke at the inauguration of three special projects donated by the club to the Local Education Authority (LEA) School in Damangaza, a suburb of the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

According to her, while the government will continue providing necessary amenities for the people, especially those in the rural communities, private initiatives such as the Rotary Club’s donation are equally needed to significantly improve life in rural areas.

Ms Wenegieme said she was particularly impressed with the notable contributions of the club under the leadership of Pat Oramah.

She said this was particularly in the areas of basic education, literacy, water sanitation, and hygiene, which were in sync with the FCT administration’s top priority for rural areas.

She appreciated the club for reaching out and urged it to extend its philanthropic gestures to other communities in the FCT.

The UBEB boss also called on other clubs and organisations in the territory and other parts of the country to emulate Rotary Club.

Meanwhile, the North Central District Governor of the club, Joy Okoro, said that the three-in-one project donated to the Damangaza community was the best ever donation made by it in Abuja.

Ms Okoro said the club had done Rotary International proud with the projects, adding that the vital amenities would greatly improve the welfare of students of the school and the hygiene of the entire community.

Also the club president, Mr Oramah, said that the projects were in line with Rotary’s commitment to basic education, literacy, water sanitation, and eradication of diseases.

”Today is not just about inaugurating buildings and desks. It is about dignity, opportunity, and the future of our children. In Rotary, we believe that access to safe sanitation is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

”By building a six-unit toilet facility at the junior secondary school and renovating a four-unit facility at the primary school, we are restoring dignity, improving hygiene, and creating a safer learning environment for our children.

“And by equipping these classrooms with two-in-one desks, we are doing something equally important; we are telling every child here that they matter, their education matters, and that their comfort and focus in the classroom matter because they are our hopes,” Mr Oramah said.

He explained that education and sanitation were powerful foundations for community development, noting that when children learn in a clean and supportive environment, attendance improves, confidence grows, and performance rises.

He said this was the long-term impact the club intended to achieve, adding that service above self was not just a motto but a responsibility it proudly carried.

Mr Oramah expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank for supporting the project, the FCT UBEC, the school management, and the Damangaza community for making the project possible.

“To the students and members of staff, these facilities are yours; please use them responsibly, take care of them, and make the most of the opportunity they present,” he said.
(NAN)