From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and to complement government efforts in addressing challenges facing the education sector—especially in rural areas—the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), through its Foundation, has renovated L.E.A. Primary School in Tukuruwa Community, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Foundation also distributed school materials worth millions of naira to pupils of the school.
Before the intervention, the school was in a dilapidated condition, with its roof blown off by rain, forcing children to sit on bare floors during lessons. With PENGASSAN’s support, the school has been fully rehabilitated and provided with a conducive learning environment.
Commissioning the project, PENGASSAN President, Comrade (Engr.) Festus Osifo, explained that the gesture was part of the union’s humanitarian services aimed at improving learning conditions for children in underserved communities.
“This is our own way of touching lives and giving back to society. Education is critical to building the leaders of tomorrow, and we are proud that through this Foundation, we are able to support these children and their future,” Osifo said.
He noted that the Foundation, which is less than a year old, has already carried out several interventions across Nigeria, including hospital bill payments for indigent patients and other community-based projects.
On the Tukuruwa project, he disclosed that PENGASSAN provided 200 desks, 800 notebooks, and school bags to pupils, alongside the renovation of two blocks of six classrooms, staff rooms, toilets, and a borehole.
“We strongly believe that empowering people and touching lives is one of the best ways to please God. These children are the future senators, presidents, governors, and community leaders of this country,” he added.
Speaking at the event, the Etsu of Kwali, His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, expressed deep appreciation to PENGASSAN, describing the project as a “symbol of hope and inclusion.”
“Our hearts are filled with joy because this project has given our children a conducive place to learn. PENGASSAN responded swiftly to our request, and within a month this school was renovated,” he said, while also commending community members who participated in cleaning and preparing the school for use.
Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Danladi Chiya, who received the symbolic handover, lauded PENGASSAN’s intervention.
“Today, I am overwhelmed with joy. On behalf of the people of Kwali, I say thank you. This project has restored hope to this community, and I assure you it will be sustained,” he said.
The Chairman of PENGASSAN Foundation, David Owan, told journalists that the union was alarmed by the poor condition of the school and immediately approved its rehabilitation.
“Our attention was drawn to the hardship faced by children learning here. We could not fold our arms, so we decided to intervene,” he said.
The project, according to him, is one of many more the Foundation plans to undertake in rural communities across Nigeria.