By Emmanuel Agbo
The wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, on Monday commissioned the Science Laboratory and Library Complex at Holy Ghost Foundation School, Abakaliki, as part of activities marking the institution's 50th anniversary, describing education as the bedrock of sustainable development and societal transformation.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Nwifuru commended the school's management for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, moral upbringing and character formation, urging it to sustain the standard that has distinguished the institution over the past five decades.
She noted that education remains the most powerful tool for transforming individuals and societies, stressing that investment in education, healthcare and human empowerment offers the greatest returns for any nation.
"Education remains the foundation upon which individuals, communities and nations are built. For five decades, Holy Ghost Foundation School has shaped lives, nurtured dreams and raised generations of young people who continue to make meaningful contributions to society," she said.
The First Lady, who was honoured with the naming of the school's Science Laboratory and Library Complex after her, expressed gratitude to the management and entire school community for the recognition.
"It is both a privilege and a delight to join Holy Ghost Foundation School in celebrating this landmark event. I am sincerely humbled by the honour of having the School Library and Science Laboratory named after me. I thank the entire school community for this memorable recognition.
"I accept this honour with humility on behalf of my family and dedicate it to every student, member of staff and parent of this great institution. May this Library and Science Laboratory continue to nurture knowledge, innovation and excellence for generations to come," she added.
Mrs. Nwifuru further emphasised that meaningful investment in people, particularly through education, healthcare and empowerment programmes, remains the surest pathway to sustainable development.
"Every life touched will, in turn, touch others. That is why investment in human capital remains the greatest instrument for societal transformation," she stated.
In his remarks, the Director of Holy Ghost Foundation School, Engr. Kelechukwu Anthony Okoh, appreciated the First Lady for honouring the school's invitation despite her demanding schedule.
He said the institution had remained committed to providing quality education while promoting discipline, sound moral values, academic excellence and the fear of God.
Okoh paid tribute to the school's founder, the late Dr. Ogbonnia Okoh, describing him as a visionary whose immense contributions to education and sports development in Ebonyi State would remain indelible.
He reaffirmed the school's commitment to supporting the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru and appealed to the state government to assist the institution with a sustainable pipe-borne water scheme and the establishment of a modern ICT innovation centre.
According to him, additional projects unveiled during the anniversary celebration included solar-powered lighting facilities and permanent seating arrangements, which he said reflected the ideals of the state government's People’s Charter of Needs agenda aimed at improving the future of Ebonyi children.
Chairman of the occasion and Permanent Secretary, Ebonyi State Ministry of Works, Chief Monday Nkwede, described the school's golden jubilee as a milestone worthy of celebration.
He commended the management, particularly Engr. Okoh, for sustaining the vision of the late founder and ensuring that the institution continued to flourish.
Nkwede urged the management to maintain its high academic standards and encouraged students to remain worthy ambassadors of the school by applying the values and knowledge acquired in service to society.
The event was attended by the wife of the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Mrs. Florence Odunwa; the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barr. Felicia Nwamkpuma; the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Princess Chinyere Iyioku; the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Deborah Okah, alongside other top government officials, education stakeholders, parents and alumni.
