Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has inaugurated the renovated Ujabholo Grammar School in Uwessan, Esan Central Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Okpebholo commended the government of the People’s Republic of China and the Nigerian Yongxing Steel Company Limited for renovating the school.

According to a statement on Saturday by the governor’s chief press secretary, Fred Itua, the school was renovated and upgraded through a China-Nigeria initiative to reconstruct schools.

He said the initiative was instituted by the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos with the support of the Edo government.

The project was jointly executed by Nigerian Yongxing Steel Company Limited under the theme “Love Builds Dreams, Steel Builds Foundations; China and Nigeria Nurture the Future Together.”

Mr Okpebholo, during the commissioning ceremony, expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government and the project partners, describing the renovation as “a symbol of friendship and progress.”

The governor revealed that he attended the school as a student several years ago and described his return to commission the renovated facility as an emotional and fulfilling moment.

“This is where I started my secondary education, but I have not set foot in this school for over 20 years. Coming here today for this purpose makes me very happy,” he said.

Mr Okpebholo announced additional plans to enhance the school’s facilities, including electrification, installation of streetlights, construction of a perimetre fence, and establishment of a 250-computer CBT centre.

He urged the students to take good care of the upgraded school and use it to inspire academic excellence and discipline.

The governor reiterated the state’s commitment to partnerships that drive education, innovation, business, and sustainable development.

The Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, highlighted the importance of educational cooperation between China and Africa.

According to her, the upgrade is a key component of the ten partnership actions under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

The school principal, Mr Asemota, expressed appreciation to the state government, the Chinese Consulate, and project partners for transforming the learning environment for students in the community.

(NAN)