The official ground breaking ceremony and flag-off for the construction of classrooms for primary schools in Oyo State took place today, the 12th of August, 2015 by His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, in conjunction with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The project for construction of classrooms in Oyo State is one of the key grant aid projects supported by the government of Japan in Nigeria’s education sector. The delegation from the Japanese embassy, led by the Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission; Mr. Matsaya Otsuka and Mr. Hirotaka Nakamura; the Chief Representative inspected a number of on-going classroom projects during a brief tour yesterday.
Also in company of the Japanese entourage were members of the State Universal Basic Education Board, led by the Permanent Secretary; Mr. Yinka Osuntogun who all visited the Executive Governor at the Exco-Chambers of the Governor’s office. Issues discussed bothered on the on-going classroom projects in the State and other areas of bilateral cooperation in the foreseeable future.
While the Governor reserved further discussions till they got to the venue of the ceremony, he nevertheless expressed gratitude to the Japanese entourage for their overwhelming largesse. The entire team then took a 40-minute trip to the ancient city of Oyo where they met His Royal Majesty; the Alaafin of Oyo land; Oba Lamidi Adeyemi who acknowledged them for their strides. Having heartily welcomed them, he expressed immense gratitude to the Japanese entourage for this laudable gesture geared towards bettering the lives of the budding student population in the state.
On getting to the site for the ground breaking ceremony, the Head of Mission; Masaya Otsuka pointed out the Japanese philosophy, centered on the power of education. He enthused that education constitutes the key ingredient behind the all-round development of every child.
In a similar vein, the Permanent Secretary; Mr. Yinka Osuntogun appreciated the laudable performance of the Executive Governor of the State; Senator Abiola Ajimobi for his relentless efforts in revamping the education sector of the state which has been in doldrums over the years. He emphasized the arduous eight-year pursuit which eventually brought this feat by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) into fruition.
While speaking, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the State Universal Basic Education; Dr. Sharon also commended the laudable project as well.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi took time once again to appreciate both the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for seeing Oyo State as a worthy beneficiary of this largesse. He then assured on his own path, to fast track the successful completion of the project in earnest.
Then came the much anticipated moment; the official ground breaking ceremony, commissioned by the Executive Governor, the Head of Mission and other relevant officials.
All projects are expected to be completed by September 16, 2016.
CEOAFRICA brings you exclusive pictures from the memorable event
