By Samson Echenim
Engineering construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has notched up its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts to the two states hosting the Second Niger Bridge, Delta and Anambra.
The construction giant in its recent CSR efforts donated books and other learning materials to schools in communities in Okwe, Delta State and Obosi, Anambra State where the bridge still under construction is located.
The company said, no fewer than 2000 students benefitted from its donation of learning materials including school bags, books and related learning materials at Okwe Secondary School, Okwe, Delta state and Community Secondary School, Obosi, Anambra state.
While receiving the donations, Patricia Okonji, principal of Community Secondary School, Okwe, said the school founded in 2007 “has no functional library, science laboratories, home economics laboratory, adequate classroom blocks and other facilities.”
“Our gratitude cannot be quantified as we sincerely appreciate you, but like Oliver Twist, we solicit your assistance with the construction of a modern library. This in no small way will promote the citadel of learning culture, ” she added.
Joseph Ojelabi, Public Relations officer of the Second Niger Bridge project, thanked the school community for the welcome given Julius Berger’s team.
He said, “We are constructing the Second Niger bridge between Delta and Anambra states. As is our traditional and historical operational philosophy, we are happy to support our operational communities, especially by investing in the schools and children which holds the future of the communities. This is the reason Julius Berger is here today to give books and other educational materials to the students; and we challenge you, the students to study the books being donated and utilise the other materials, as they will benefit you a lot as you build for your future success.”
Earlier at Community Secondary School, Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, the Julius Berger team distributed study materials including books and writing materials to hundreds of students and their teachers.
Promise Nwankwo, senior prefect of the school, in his vote of thanks said, “We appreciate God first and then Julius Berger for what they have done today. We will always remember you in our prayers. … We also have need for apparatuses for our science laboratories as well as sports facilities.”
Ifebi Nwogo, the school principal, also commended and thanked Julius Berger for the donation of books and learning materials to the school and students. Elated students of the school jubilated with their bags of learning materials just as they raised them high chorusing: “God bless Julius Berger” repeatedly.
Julius Berger’s Media Liaison Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Isibor was also in the company’s CSR team at the events.
When applause travels faster than hunger