According to a news report from the Nigerian Tribune, an agricultural processing company in Kwara has refurbished a block of two classrooms for the Community Junior Secondary School in Ogbondoroko, Asa local government area. This initiative aims to fortify the bond between the company and the local farming community.

The renovation project, which also included the addition of two offices, was undertaken by Outspan Nigeria Limited (ofi) and inaugurated by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.

During the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the firm's general manager, Rajeesh Neelanjeri, expressed that ofi is dedicated to fostering prosperous farms, content communities, and sustainable, healthy food systems.

“We also support education in line with our social and sustainability goals. We desire to maintain stronger partnership ties and hopefully build new relationships with both existing stakeholders and new ones”, he said.

Also speaking, the factory manager, Alhaji Ajibade Idris, said that the firm is determined to encourage improvement in educational infrastructure and quality of education in order to help students.

“We are happy to improve this school and look forward to the good things that will come from

it, because investing in education builds a more sustainable future,” he said.

The school principal (JSS), Mrs Afusat Alawonla, who expressed appreciation for the project, said that it would increase students’ enrolment in the school.

Alawonla narrated the experience before the renovation, saying, “Before we used planks at the centre of the classrooms to hold the ceiling from falling.

“There were no windows. Anytime it rained, students would need to move to another class and this would stop learning temporarily. But a minute lost can never be regained. However, I thank the Almighty Allah because our experience is now a testimony,” she said.

The school principal (JSS), who also appreciated efforts of the KWSUBEB chairman and Asa LGEA acting secretary to see that every child in Kwara state gets basic education, thanked the principal and staff of the senior section of the school for accommodating the JSS III students in one of their classrooms during the period of the renovation period.

She highlighted some other needs of the school including chairs and tables for students, staffroom and offices for teachers, office chairs and tables, scholarships for students, learning materials, more classrooms, examination hall, provision of science equipment, as well as perimeter fence.

The event was witnessed by the member, House of Assembly, representing the area, Hon. Bello Oniboki, traditional and religious leaders, representatives of the state commissioner for Education, Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, Mrs. Bola Adegoke, staff and management of the agricultural firm, amongst others.