June 24, 2016/Ecobank

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha has commended Ecobank Nigeria for supporting the development of education in the state under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. The Governor who was speaking at the commissioning of multimillion water project and school furniture provided to  Girls’ Secondary School, Akwakuma, Owerri, Imo state at the weekend, said the bank’s support would go a long way in enhancing the learning environment at the school.

Governor Okorocha who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Gertrude Ego Oduka, said , “by this comprehensive package, Ecobank has openly declared that it is our partner in progress. This is a way of complementing our government’s effort at uplifting the standard of education in the state. Education is life and spirit and any support to the sector is well appreciated. It is a thing of joy to all of us in the state. I urge everyone to tell others about Ecobank.”

The Governor further called on well-meaning Nigerians, local and international non-government organizations and other financial institutions to emulate Ecobank, stating that, the state was undergoing massive transformation under the current administration.

In his response, Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Tony Okpanachi, stated that the execution of the projects was in line with the Bank’s CSR activities which is to give back and contribute effectively to the communities where it operates, noting that, the vision of the projects revolve around creating a conducive environment for learning and a far-reaching compensation to the learning community for the endless years of unflinching patronage.

Tracing the genesis of the project, Okpanachi said: “You will recall that on March 17 this year, I was here to tutor students on ‘How To Grow Money’ which is part of Financial Literacy Day initiative by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Junior Achievers of Nigeria (JAN).  At the end of that day, I made commitment on behalf of my bank to execute some projects in this school. It is therefore with a great sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that three months after, we are here again gathered to commission the various projects, adding that “this is a promise kept in line with our business mantra – which is to build a world class Pan African bank and contribute to the economic development and financial integration of Africa.”

He maintained that the Bank will continue to support initiatives and partner projects that impact and touch peoples’ lives.

Earlier, the Principal, Girl’s Secondary School (Senior), Akwakuma, Lady Uzoho Okwuchi said, “ we are indeed grateful to Ecobank for ploughing back to the society where it operates. What Ecobank has done for us today must always be remembered in the history of our school. We now have water in our laboratories and everywhere in the compound.. We thank you for complementing the effort of our dear governor.”

The projects handed over to the school include modern borehole, generating set, reticulation of water to the toilets, laboratories and drinking points, and chairs and tables for teachers to enhance the learning environment of the school.