Abia State Government has returned East Street Primary School and Clifford Road Primary School, both in Aba, to the Assemblies of God Church, who were the original owners of the schools.
The State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu made the announcement during the 2018 Men’s Day celebration of the Assemblies of God Church, 222 Clifford Road, Aba, in response to the plea made by the church.
He directed the Commissioner for Education, Prof Ikechi Mgbeoji, to liaise with the church authorities to ensure that the hand over process is completed by October 2018.
In their address read by the Secretary of the Men’s Ministry, Deacon David J. Okai, the church passionately pleaded with the Governor to facilitate the return of the schools to their church, a process they said started during the immediate past government in the state, but was stalled due to the leadership crisis in the church then, which has now been settled.
“Your Excellency, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu Sir, please, on behalf of the entire church, we are appealing to you to approve the recovery of our primary schools; East Street and Clifford Road Primary Schools which were approved by the former governor, T. A. Orji, during his tenure, but because of the Internal misunderstanding we had then, it was withheld. Now that it has been resolved, we plead that you use your good office to give them back to us. This church will never forget you for helping us out in this regard. We thank you in anticipation of doing this for us, Your Excellency. Divinity and humanity will never forget you in Jesus name, Amen.”
Responding after the Governor announced the pledge to return the schools, the Assistant District Superintendent of the Church, Rev Don Njoku, thanked the Governor for his kind gesture and assured him that the church will continue to support and pray for his government.
Earlier in his address, the President of the Men’s Ministry of the Church, Deacon Kalu Egbe, applauded the leadership and development strides of the governor and assured him of the support of the men of the church in his determined efforts to positively change the narrative of Aba and Abia State.
Governor Ikpeazu who was received at the Church by Rev (Dr) Ogboso Ejindu, Assistant District Superintendent and the executives of the men’s ministry was accompanied by top Government officials including the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rt Hon. Uzor Azubuike, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Umeh Kalu, SAN, Commisioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Commissioner For Petroleum, Barr Chizuru Kanu and Chairman of Aba South LGA, Chief Emmanuel Emereuwa, later received prayer support from members of the church and a special portrait.
