....will our children learn under the rains?, he queries

King Larry Ogbonnaya Agwu, the traditional ruler of Ajata-na-Igu Autonomous Community, Ikwuano LGA of Abia State has decried proposed plans to demolish a brand new 4-classroom block to pave way for proposed model classroom block by the Abia State Government.


Following outcry by the people of Umuigu-Ikwueke over the ongoing demolition of classrooms at Umuigu Central School, the traditional ruler waded into the matter and warned that it would be impractical to demolish the newly built classrooms for the proposed model classrooms. "If you demolish the whole classrooms in the school including the newly built one, will our children learn under the rains?, King Larry queried 


He however confirmed that he had personally waded into the matter and urged the contractor on site not to tamper with the new classroom block 


In a related development, the Education Secretary for Ikwuano LGA, Dr Paul Udensi confirmed that there are ongoing plans to demolish dilapidated classrooms in the LG and erect new ones. "I know the classrooms you are talking about at Umuigu Central School, they are beautiful and in good condition, I don't think anyone would demolish them. Am just reading something like that in the social media, but the Commissioner for Works mentioned in the write up has not told us anything about demolishing classrooms in good condition. About dilapidated classrooms, yes, the government is demolishing them to erect new ones "


Also speaking on the issue, a member of the School-based Management Committee told our reporter that the picture is not yet clear. The officer who pleaded anonymity said they showed the contractors empty space if they want to build new classrooms, but they maintained that they would demolish the existing classrooms. I really cannot confirm if the new classrooms woukd also be demolished,  he said.


A retired Army Officer and community leader Amb. Col. D .E. Ugwuzor who spoke to our reporter warned the contractor on site not to tamper with the new classrooms pointing out that there are available plots of land for whatever development the government wants to embark on


According to him: "It is disturbing that at a time when we are calling upon our sons and daughters to get involved in the development  of our community that anyone will contemplate demolishing a block of classrooms built just three years ago.  It is not about Hon Obinna Agaodi  but it is an act of wickedness  sabotage designed for the down fall of Ikwueke  Central School,  Umuigu. 


"Hon. Obinna singlehandedly built  this block of classrooms as a gift to the community. It was built when all buildings were dilapidated and our children were drenched during the rains even in there classes. Whatever motivated them to contemplate pulling down the classrooms, whether political,  jealousy, pull-down syndrome,  malice or any other force must not stand.  It is inhuman, and conceived in bad", he lamented.


The 4-classroom block structure was erected with Hon.Obinna Agaodi was elected as councillor to the Ikwuano LGA Legislative Council. He reportedly used his  personal resources, not government funds to replace the old block, which was in a terrible and dilapidated state,  to build a modern classroom block within a year.


The project was flagged off and commissioned in November 2021 and has since served the community as a legacy of purposeful representation and commitment to the welfare of the people.


Sadly, Hon. Agaodi informed our reporter that he has been reliably informed that plans are underway by the Abia State government, through the Commissioner for Works, to pull down this very structure. 


"What makes this move deeply disturbing is the clear indication that this action is politically motivated, driven not by any public interest, but by malicious intentions to erase the legacies of someone who served selflessly.


"Worse still, certain individuals within the community, who ought to protect and uphold such developmental milestones, are allegedly involved in this agenda. These enemies of progress have conspired to ensure that the fruits of Hon. Agaodi’s labour are destroyed and forgotten.But the truth cannot be hidden, and legacies cannot be erased by mere demolition", he declared 


Hon  Agaodi further added that he has taken proactive steps to ensure the matter receives the necessary attention. He has officially notified the two traditional rulers of the community, informed the Chairman of Umuezeukwu, and forwarded a formal letter to the Nigerian Senate to bring the issue to the attention of higher authorities and ensure that this unfortunate and unjust action does not go unnoticed.


He also added that it is important to remind everyone that Ikwueke Central School has vast undeveloped land where the government can conveniently situate any new projects. "Targeting an already existing, functional classroom block, built at no cost to the State, is not only irrational, it is unjust and unacceptable", he maintained.