From: Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has lamented over vandalism of facilities at St. Catherine Primary, where he finished his primary education.
The Governor made the lamentation yesterday during a tour of projects in Makurdi, Benue State capital.
Governor Ortom said he attended the school from 1973 to 1976 and on completion of primary six, proceeded to Idah secondary Commerical College now in Kogi State, regretting the high level of dilapidation of facilities at the school.
“This is a special school to me and I am here to see things for myself. I have seen the high level of dilapidation of the school. The fence is off and I heard that it is the den of cultists. We were able to get security men to chase them away from here. But as you can see, some of the structures have been damaged by these cultists and a lot of furniture stolen. The gate was broken by hoodlums. They have been arrested and are facing prosecution.
“We intend to capture this school in the next renovation and upgrading of schools across the State. I have already directed the chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board and his team to do an assessment and immediately provide seats to the school. I urge parents and management of the school to safeguard the school property as we also, intend to recruit more teachers for the school”, Ortom said.
At the State Teaching hospital, the Governor also, decried the decaying infrastructure and announced the release of 150 million naira for repair of leaking roofs and the men’s ward.
He disclosed that government release of 3.2 billion naira to renovate and equip schools in the State will certainly go a long way to give the schools a new status, adding that they will recruit additional 2,000 teachers.
