~Calls the attention of Local & State Government to ongoing vandalism in COHISA
~Thanks Old Students and calls for them not to relent in giving back to thier Alma Mata
In the spirit of giving back to thier Alma Mata, the Pro Tem Chairman of COHISA Old Students Association World Wide (COSAW) Dr. Eugene Esor has charged the principal and management of Western Ahoada County High School (COHISA) in Ahoada East LGA Rivers state to assume ownership of the school facility being rebuilt by the Rivers state Government.
The Pro Tem Chairman gave the charge on Wednesday 12th April 2023 at County High School Ahoada during an official handover event of 200 desks donated by The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) and facilitated by a distinguished Alumus, Dr. Innocent Meberi.
Dr. Esor commended Dr. Mebiri and the NBRRI for the uncommon gesture of alleviating the suffering of the students. He reminded that mobilisation by COSAW led to earlier delivery of 220 three-seater desks by the Old Students followed by the 200 two-seater desks donated by NBRRI through Hon. Dr. Mebiri. Before these, efforts students were largely seated on the floor to recieve lectures.
He further charged COHISA Old students at home and in the diaspora to continue to respond positively to the needs of their Alma Mater which laid thier educational foundation.
Handing over the 200 desks to the Principals, Dr. Esor expressed optimism of the Association’s commitment to her Alama mata. He however expressed worry over decaying old classroom blocks and ongoing vandalism of the new school facility by criminal elements. The degree of vandalism on the school facility ranging from stolen electrical cables, sockets, toilet seaters, ceiling boards in the newly constructed classrooms were unimaginable. He therefore calls for serious urgent intervention.
Dr. Esor who noted that the COSAW mission of giving back to her Alama mata has just begun said the security of the school should be considered as top priority by Ahoada East and Rivers State Governments to guarantee a sane learning environment and lasting impact of any support by Old Students. He urged the Principals to take full ownership of the desks and guard against their vandalization.
A member of COSAW, Dr. Samuel Ideozu who represented the Donor
also expressed worry over security degeneracy in the COHISA facility and further charged the school management to take full charge of the security of the desks as his Principal has promised more for thier alma mata. He called on relevant stakeholders to live up to thier responsibilities in ensuring that items donated are savegaurded for the pupils.
The Principal of the Senior Section, Mr Nwoko Friday appreciated the Old Students for working together towards gradually giving their Alma Mater a facelift and for not abandoning her when it matters most. He decried shortage of manpower/teaching staff, insecurity and other learning aids affecting learning and hence pleaded with COSAW never to abandon the school.
The COSAW delegation also paid a courtesy visit to an illustrious Old Student, His Imperial Majesty Eze Amb. Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III to commemorate with him on his emergence and subsequent coronation as Eze Ekpeye Logbo 111 in his palace at Ula Upata town Ahoada East LGA Rivers state.
The Eze Ekpeye Logbo appreciated the entire Old Students for the responsibility taken upon themselves by the group and charged them never to relent in thier contribution in giving back to thier Alma mata, also promising his full support when he is called upon.
On the security degeneracy affecting COHISA and other parts of Ekpeye, Eze Anugwo informed the group that measures are underway between his council, the Ahoada East and West Chairmen, the Uzugbani Ekpeye and key stakeholders to curb the menace.
COSAW action Committee delegation present were; Dr. Eugene Esor, Pro Tem Chairman, Dr. Edwardson Imo, Pro Tem Secretary, and Dcn. Junior Nwebedu. Other members were, Dr. Arc. Samuel Ideozu, Rev’d Samuel Odueley and Mr. Gideon Ele.
Gideon Ele
For: COSAW Action Committee
12th April, 2023.