President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, laid the foundation stone for the rebuilding of Government Secondary School Chibok, which was destroyed by Boko Haram.
The President represented by Coordin-ating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said his administration is determined to root out insurgency in the North-East region of the country to enable residents of the area return to normal life.
He promised that the proposed reconstructed Chibok school is expected to have a state of the art library and laboratory, computer and ICT Center, a sports arena and a clinic.
“We sympathize with the Chibok community. We know what you are going through. But I want to assure you that we are working day and night to make sure that life returns to normal both in your community and all others affected by terrorism.
“This administration promised to rebuild the Government Secondary School in Chibok which was destroyed by terrorists. Today, I am laying the foundation for the remodeling and reconstruction of this school.
“We want our students to go back to school. We want them to get the education they need to live a decent life. We will support them and we will do everything we can to support their parents and the entire community.
“We will also not forget the Chibok girls. We are working hard to ensure that they return home. As a father, I can feel the pain of the parents. What happened was tragic. But I want you to know that this administration cares. We will not abandon our children. We are with you.”
And for security, he explained that the new school will have a gate house and observation post to be manned by well-equipped security agents.
According to the President, a new staff accommodation and a principal house will be constructed, given the fact that most of the staff quarters, including that of the Principal were destroyed during the attack.
He also promised that the school will run on solar power, and a water reservoir will be built for the new dormitories, adding that the reconstructed school will include a brand new administration block.
It will be recalled that since the deadly kidnap of the over 200 Chibok school girls in April 14, 2014, over 3000 students in the community are yet to return to school.
While promising to rescue the kidnapped girls, the President advised that the students that are currently at home should be supported to return to school, noting that the plan is to see the kidnapped girls return to a community that has seen some improvement in their absence.
Responding, the principal of the school, Hajiya Asabe Kwambula, who thanked the President for the gesture said, “this is the happiest day of my life”.
Others present at the occasion was the Director General, MEMA Alhaji Sani Sidi, Air Commodore Charles Otegbede and other dignitaries.
