Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed deep appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China and Nigeria Yongxing Steel Company Limited for renovating and upgrading Ujabholo Grammar School, Uwessan, in Esan Central Local Government Area, his former secondary school.
This was contained in a statement signed by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and made available to journalists on Saturday.
The project, part of the China–Nigeria Cooperation in Education School Reconstruction Initiative, was instituted by the Chinese Consulate-General in Lagos in partnership with the Edo State Government, and executed under the theme “Love Builds Dreams, Steel Builds Foundations; China and Nigeria Nurture the Future Together.”
The statement reads partly: “Let me thank the Chinese Government and the Yongxing Steel Company for this innovation. When they came to tell me about this project, I knew my community would benefit from a newly-renovated and upgraded school.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Edo State, I sincerely thank the Consulate-General and the Government of the People’s Republic of China. May your goodwill and friendship continue to speak through projects like these.
“This is where I started my secondary education, but for over 20 years, I have not stepped into this school. Coming here today for this purpose makes me very happy.
“This upgraded school is a gift. It is your responsibility to take good care of it. Use it wisely and let it inspire academic excellence and discipline.
“Edo State is committed to partnerships that drive education, innovation, business, and sustainable development. We are open for collaborations that create jobs, boost local businesses, and strengthen cultural and economic ties.”
Governor Okpebholo described his return to the school as an emotional homecoming, recalling his days as a student in the same classrooms now rebuilt through international partnership.
He announced further government plans to enhance the school’s facilities with electrification, street lighting, perimeter fencing, and the establishment of a 250-computer CBT centre to advance digital learning.
In her remarks, the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Mrs. Yan Yuqing, emphasised the significance of education in China–Africa cooperation. She said the initiative was part of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) agenda to strengthen economic, infrastructural, and human capacity ties between both nations.
Mrs. Yan noted: “Education cooperation is a key component of the ten partnership actions under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation.
“As Nigeria is China’s important trade partner and a major investment destination in Africa, China is willing to use this opportunity to further expand bilateral economic and trade relations and strategic mutual cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, science, and technology.”
Representatives of the Ministry of Education, school management, and community leaders also expressed gratitude to the state government and its Chinese partners for transforming the learning environment.
The event, attended by traditional rulers and dignitaries, marked a milestone in Edo State’s renewed push to strengthen education, promote international collaboration, and empower rural communities through sustainable development.
