The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has appealed to leaders of churches who operate schools in the state to reduce their fees to give every child equal opportunity.
Soludo made the appeal on Saturday at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, during a prayer event organised by the Anglican Communion to pray for peace and progress of the state.
The governor had recently declared tuition-free education for all children in the state who attend government school, from nursery through junior secondary.
The governor, while speaking at the event, said, “There is work to be done, and while we are yet on earth, we will continue to do our own part.
“But I want to appeal to our bishops, leaders of our churches, I want to appeal to you. The church must also play its part too, because I know that the church has a role to play too.
“We have declared free education in all schools owned by government. We want to also beg churches who operate schools to also reduce their school fees. So that the woman who sells pepper in the market, the woman who hawks groundnut, will be able to pay fees for her children in your school too.
“I’m also appealing about the levies that church demands from its members. We know that you have projects, but projects can never end today or tomorrow, so we can use part of these monies to augument the fees for the poor.”
The Governor appreciated the church’s role in building a modest society through evangelism, quality education and healthcare.
He appealed to the church to take care of the poor people through the reduction of school fees to give every child equal opportunity.
He promised to keep doing his best to enthrone a peaceful and progressive Anambra State, adding that the agenda of a livable and prosperous Anambra State would be driven by compassion and transformation.
He pledged to always partner with the church to sustain positive change and promised to keep giving value to Ndi Anambra all through his administration.
