The spouse of the Cross River State governor, Reverend Eyoanwan Otu has launched an academic scheme to encourage the enrollment of greater than 5 thousand displaced and weak youngsters.
The scheme, tagged ‘Back-to-School Project’ and carried out by means of the Humanity Without Borders (HUWIB) Initiative, was launched at one of many main faculties throughout the Cameroonian refugee camp in Adagom, Ogoja native authorities space of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
Otu, who affirmed schooling as one of many largest investments any society should make for the long run era, mentioned that she was decided to make sure each little one in Cross River State no matter location, monetary standing of guardians, ethnicity and faith, has unfettered entry to high quality studying.
She mentioned, “The greatness of every child and the greatness of Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole is hinged on the quality of education our children receive and the ease to which the child has access to education.”
Providing succour
Speaking additional, the governor’s spouse defined that the importance of launching the Back-to-School venture in a refugee main college was her dedication to offering succour to weak youngsters in Cross River State, noting “Refugees are considered, from my view, one of the most vulnerable in our society. That is the reason I am going to reach over 5,000 displaced and vulnerable children across the state.”
Mrs Otu counseled the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for helping hundreds of ladies and youngsters on the camp, who sought refuge in Cross River because of the disaster throughout the Republic of Cameroon.
She mentioned, “I am aware of the UNHCR educational mandate, which serves as one of the major protection pillars in providing support to both refugees and the host communities like Adagom, Ukende and many other areas where UNHCR operations exist. I, therefore, commend the commission for the assistance given so far to the families taking refuge within our state.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Stephen Odey described the intervention as the start of a brand new daybreak for youngsters within the camp, whose instructional pursuit was truncated following the outbreak of the disaster within the neighbouring nation.
Dr. Odey mentioned, “This is one of the most heartwarming events in recent times. I would urge all well-meaning Nigerians and Cross River residents to emulate this gesture and create a better society for all. For us in the Ministry of Education, we pledge to support this initiative for vulnerable children in line with the ‘People First Agenda’ of this administration.”
In separate goodwill messages, the Commissioners for Sports, Mrs. Agnes Atsu; Information Technology, adr. Justin Bethel; Industry, Dr. Unimke Angioha; and that of Commerce, Mrs. Abigail Duke; in addition to the Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Beatrice Igwe appreciated the spouse of the governor for the initiative and pledged to assist the back-to-school venture.
Gratitude
The Chairperson of Adagom 1 settlement camp, Madam Bibiana Ngwa expressed appreciation to the spouse of the governor, the individuals and the federal government of Cross River State particularly the host group for accommodating hundreds of refugees and interesting for sustainable livelihood improvement, potable water and healthcare.
The Director of the varsity urged the Reverend Otu and the Cross River State authorities by means of the Ministry of Education to assist the cost of a month-to-month stipend to the volunteer lecturers.
The ceremony was attended by conventional rulers from the host group and representatives of the UNHCR.
