BY OLODAN ADEBAYO
The Kwara State Government has earmarked the sum of N131million to renovate the 17 schools across the state affected by rainstorm.
Recall that scores of residents in the state were rendered homeless about three weeks ago when the rainstorm blew off roofs, destroyed buildings, shops and electricity poles.
Mostly affected by the heavy downpour is the Kwara State Stadium which had its multi-million naira scoreboard badly damaged and fell the entire perimeter fence of Sultan Road.
Speaking with our reporter on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Maryam Garba said Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has approved the immediate repair and replacement of facilities affected by the rainstorm in those schools.
She said, “Having presented a detailed analysis of schools affected by the rainstorm in the state, I wish to inform you that the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has approved that we commence immediate repair and renovation of those schools across the state with a cost implication of N131million.
“Despite the lean purse of the government, Governor Ahmed gave the approval due to the premium his administration placed on education. As schools will be resuming on Monday(today), so also repairs of the affected schools across the state will commence,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary however enjoined corporate organisations, affluent individuals and Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) to join hands with the state government in improving infrastructure in schools saying government cannot do it alone.
The rainstorm, according to Hajia Garba, affected some classroom blocks, electricity poles, fences, sports pavilion among others.
Among the affected schools are Queen Elizabeth School, The School for Special Needs, Government Day Secondary School, Adeta and Government Day Secondary School, Adewole – all in Ilorin.
