In response to the school’s needs, Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club International has commissioned a series of transformative projects at Junior Secondary School (JSS) Gwarinpa 1.
The projects aim to improve the school’s learning environment and curb challenges like open defecation and insecurity.
Led by Lion Oluyomi David Coker , the club’s president, the commissioning ceremony recently showcased the club’s latest signature projects under Lions Club International’s service mandate. The intervention included the construction of boys’ and girls’ toilets, the erection of a perimeter fence, the drilling of a new borehole, the renovation of the staff room and principal’s office, and the installation of a new school gate.
Addressing dignitaries, club members, stakeholders, and students during the event, Lion Coker emphasised the Lions’ commitment to serving humanity and supporting education as a critical community development pillar.
“Education remains a cornerstone of societal development, and our collective responsibility is to ensure that young minds have access to a conducive learning environment,” Coker stated. “This project is a testament to our service, impact, and sustainable development Goal.”
The visibly elated Principal of JSS Gwarinpa 1, Mr. Emenike Okoro, expressed profound gratitude to the club for coming to the school’s rescue. He noted that the collapsed perimeter fence shared with the nearby market posed serious security risks to students and staff. Thanks to the Lions Club International’s intervention, the situation has changed drastically.
“From trying to rebuild the fallen wall, they saw other needs,” Okoro said. “They went on to build toilets, provide a borehole, renovate staff offices, and even awarded scholarships to our students.”
The event was also graced by Dr. Hassan Sule, chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), who commended the Lions for their remarkable educational contribution. He highlighted the ripple effect of such interventions in uplifting communities and building a more prosperous nation.
The District Governor, District 404A2, Lion Sir Maurice Ibok charged the school management and students with ensuring the facilities were well-maintained, noting that sustainability depends on community ownership and care.
As part of the event’s highlights, the Hakimi of Gwarinpa 1, Chief Umar Bayero, was honoured and inducted as a member of the Lions Club. In return, the Hakimi awarded Lion Coker a special recognition and granted him symbolic access to communal goodwill, applauding the club’s continued support for development.
The commissioning marks a significant milestone in the Lions Club’s mission to promote education and improve public welfare, offering a beacon of hope for other public schools grappling with similar challenges.
