KWARA, NIGERIA – In a significant gesture to strengthen its relationship with the local farming community, Outspan Nigeria Limited (ofi), an agriculture processing firm, has handed over a renovated block of two classrooms to the Community Junior Secondary School, Ogbondoroko, located in the Asa local government area of Kwara State. The project, which also includes two offices, was commissioned by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.

During the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, Rajeesh Neelanjeri, the general manager of ofi, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting education as part of its social and sustainability goals. “We are committed to creating thriving farms, happy communities, and sustainable healthy food systems. We also support education in line with our social and sustainability goals. We desire to maintain stronger partnership ties and hopefully build new relationships with both existing stakeholders and new ones,” Neelanjeri said.

Alhaji Ajibade Idris, the factory manager, reiterated the firm’s determination to enhance educational infrastructure and quality. “We are happy to improve this school and look forward to the good things that will come from it because investing in education builds a more sustainable future,” Idris stated.

Mrs. Afusat Alawonla, the school principal for the Junior Secondary School (JSS), expressed profound gratitude for the renovation project. She highlighted the positive impact on student enrollment and learning conditions. “Before, we used planks at the centre of the classrooms to hold the ceiling from falling. There were no windows. Anytime it rained, students would need to move to another class, and this would stop learning temporarily. But a minute lost can never be regained. However, I thank the Almighty Allah because our experience is now a testimony,” she said.

Mrs. Alawonla also acknowledged the efforts of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB) chairman and the acting secretary of the Asa Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) for their dedication to ensuring that every child in Kwara State receives basic education. She thanked the principal and staff of the senior section of the school for accommodating JSS III students during the renovation.

However, she noted that the school still faces several needs, including additional chairs and tables for students, staffroom and offices for teachers, office furniture, scholarships for students, learning materials, more classrooms, an examination hall, provision of science equipment, and a perimeter fence.

The event was attended by Hon. Bello Oniboki, a member of the House of Assembly representing the area, along with traditional and religious leaders, representatives of the state commissioner for Education, Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, Mrs. Bola Adegoke, and staff and management of the agricultural firm, among others.

The renovation project by Outspan Nigeria Limited is seen as a crucial step in fostering a supportive and collaborative relationship between the company and the local community, ensuring a brighter future for the students of Ogbondoroko.