The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has renovated and equipped LEA Primary School, Tukuruwa, in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Before the intervention, pupils were forced to take lessons under a tree after the classrooms collapsed. The school had no desks or chairs as the ones earlier provided were looted while strong winds had also blown off the roofs.
PENGASSAN, led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, carried out the project through its social arm, the PENGASSAN Foundation.
The work included re-roofing, painting, provision of 200 classroom chairs, rehabilitation of the borehole, repair of toilets and furnishing of the staff room. The union also donated 200 school bags and 800 notebooks to the pupils.
Speaking during the handover of the facility on Tuesday, Comrade Osifo said the initiative reflects the union’s resolve to give back to the society, particularly to underserved communities often left behind in development plans.
“We cannot continue to fold our arms while children study under trees without chairs or shelter.
“This project shows our determination to impact the lives of the poorest in society, especially rural dwellers, by complementing government’s efforts in education and social welfare,” Osifo stated.
“We cannot fold our arms while children study under trees without chairs or shelter. This is part of our resolve to complement government’s effort in education and welfare,” he added.
The executive chairman of Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chiya, received the project on behalf of the area council.
He thanked PENGASSAN for the intervention and promised to grade the access road leading to the school.
“On behalf of the people of Tukuruwa, we say thank you. This has restored dignity to our children’s learning environment,” Chiya said.
The Etsu of Kwali, His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo, Nizassan III, praised the gesture.
“This project has brought joy to our people. In the midst of challenges, it is refreshing to see PENGASSAN give our children hope,” the monarch said.
Chairman of the PENGASSAN Foundation and national treasurer of the union, Comrade David Owan, said the work was completed in less than three weeks.
“Our members personally contributed the funds. Every kobo was accounted for, and this project shows our commitment to humanity,” Owan said.
Chairperson of the PENGASSAN Women Commission and secretary of the Foundation, Maryann Ada Mbanaso, said the Foundation plans to extend the initiative to other rural communities.
“Many children still learn in harsh conditions. We will continue to support schools to give vulnerable children a better chance,” she said.
The PENGASSAN Foundation, established two years ago, focuses on community development and social interventions across Nigeria.
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