Handover Ceremony: A Continuing Milestone in Abeokuta

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Latter-day Saint Charities, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in

partnership with the Build-a-School Initiative in Africa (BASIA) and COAFRICA, provided a block of four classrooms to Ebenezer African Church Nursery and Primary School (EAC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria which was completed within three months and handed over to the school on 1^st February 2022.

The event was attended by Her Excellency Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele,the Deputy Governor of Ogun State; the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu; The Special Adviser for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Joseph S. Odemuyiwa; the Chairman, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Femi Majekodunmi; the two Stake(similar to a diocese)  Presidents  of the Church in Abeokuta, President Bamidele Fagbemi and President Ebenezer Ogundele, and a host of other guests.

Mr. Mahmud Labinjo, the Humanitarian Specialist for the Africa West Area of the Church reminded the audience of the many humanitarian interventions the Church has provided in Nigeria especially toilet facilities and water boreholes, which EAC School is a beneficiary. He stated that we are brothers and sisters and must care for the welfare of one another. Dr. Victor Ukorebi, President of BASIA, said that their mission is “to facilitate, accelerate, amplify, and provide world-class education infrastructures for children in Africa’s poorest communities.” He referenced research conducted by the Pennsylvania State University, where the researchers found that school facilities can have a profound impact on both the teachers’ and the students’ outcomes. They concluded, “With respect to teachers, school facilities affect teacher recruitment, retention, commitment, and effort. With respect to students, school facilities affect health, behavior, engagement, learning, and growth in achievement. Thus, the researchers generally concluded that without adequate facilities and resources, it is extremely difficult to serve large numbers of children with complex needs.”

Kujo Rachel, the school's Head Girl, said she is so grateful for the building which came because of being an “Oliver Twist” by asking for more classrooms after the first block of classrooms were constructed by BASIA in 2018. Mufutau Quadri, the Head Boy expressed gratitude for the improved facilities and prayed that the Lord bless the donors. The SUBEB chairman, Dr. Femi Majekodunmi while appreciating the organizations for their philanthropy, admonished the beneficiaries to take care of the new facilities. "I give you all the responsibility of handling this project with care and ensuring its safety and maintenance….," he stated.

Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele expressed appreciation to the Church, BASIA, and COAFRICA and her partners for supporting the state government to provide a conducive learning environment for the children of EAC school. In her concluding remarks, she said, “I thanked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BASIA, and COAFRICA and their partners for supporting these continued interventions in Ogun State. These donations complement the efforts of the State Government to radically improve the education infrastructure in the State.”