PICTORIAL: Peter Obi Lays School Foundation In Kogi

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice-Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has laid the foundation stone for a proposed secondary, technical, and vocational school in Onugba Ukoh, Olomaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Obi disclosed this in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday, following his visit to Mater Spei Model Nursery and Primary School in the community.

According to him, the existing school was established through the support of international donors, while the planned Mater Spei Secondary, Technical, and Vocational School is designed to provide young people in the community and surrounding areas with access to education alongside practical technical and vocational skills.

He described the foundation-laying ceremony as a privilege, noting that the proposed institution would equip young Nigerians with the skills required to become self-sufficient and productive members of society.

“It was a privilege to lay the foundation stone for the planned Mater Spei Secondary, Technical, and Vocational School,” Obi said.

“This significant undertaking is designed to enable young people from the local and surrounding communities to pursue their education while simultaneously gaining the technical and vocational expertise necessary for them to become self-sufficient and contributing members of society.”

The former governor commended the proprietor and management of Mater Spei Model Nursery and Primary School for what he described as their “visionary leadership, foresight, and dedication” to investing in the education of young people.

He also pledged his support for the initiative.

“I also conveyed my commitment to supporting this commendable initiative,” he said.

Obi stressed the need for sustained and strategic investment in education across Nigeria, particularly against the backdrop of the country’s large out-of-school population.

“The imperative for continuous and strategic investment in education across our nation cannot be stressed enough,” he said.

He noted that with approximately 20 million Nigerian children reportedly out of school, every effort aimed at expanding access to education should be encouraged and supported.

“In a context where approximately 20 million Nigerian children are not enrolled in school, every endeavour to broaden educational access warrants encouragement and backing,” Obi added.

According to him, education remains fundamental to building a productive, innovative and prosperous nation, while also providing a pathway for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve success without relying on personal connections.

“Education serves as the bedrock upon which we can construct a nation characterised by productivity, innovation, and prosperity,” Obi said.

“It is the platform from which an individual from humble beginnings can achieve prominence, irrespective of personal connections.”

Peter Obi concluded his message with his recurring call for national renewal, declaring: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”