Premium Trust Bank Remodels, Hands Over Baptist Primary School Ikogosi-Ekiti to Govt.

Premium Trust Bank Remodels, Hands Over Baptist Primary School Ikogosi-Ekiti to Govt.

A leading 21st-century financial institution in Nigeria, Premium Trust Bank, has handed over the newly remodeled Baptist Primary School Ikogosi-Ekiti to Ekiti State government. 

The official commissioning and handover ceremony, held on Saturday, attracted Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his deputy, Monisade Afuye, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, top government functionaries, traditional rulers and many others, was part of Premium Trust Bank initiative to promote inclusive education in the state. 

The governor, who was the special guest at the event, appreciated the partnership, generosity and continuous support of Premium Trust Bank for the advancement of education in the state saying that the collaboration will complement the efforts of his administration in the education sector. 

While describing the kind gesture as humbling, Oyebanji noted that the remodeling will shape future generations in ensuring no child is left out in acquiring basic education.

He said: "It's humbling for me, it's a bit emotional because this is the primary school I went to. I am very grateful to Premium Trust Bank for adopting this institution for their project in their corporate social responsibility scheme. 

"By doing this, they have complemented our interventions in the education sector. As a government in the last four years, we have spent massively education because we believe strongly that knowledge is invaluable and a country cannot grow if the citizens are not knowledgeable. 

"The foundation is at this basic level and with what Premium Trust Bank has done today, they are modelling futures and they are giving hope to a lot of pupils that won't have had the opportunity of studying in this facility. 

"It's not only the remodeling, if you go inside the classrooms, you will see new chairs, new lockers, interactive boards and the teachers are happy. Between the time they started and now, enrollment has spiked by more than 50%. I am so grateful to them."

On his part, the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Emmanuel Emefienim, said the initiative serves as their corporate social responsibility geared towards supporting the advancement of critical sectors in the state's economy.

He disclosed that the partnership with the state government has been mutually beneficial assuring that the financial institution would continue to intervene in other sectors.

His words, "The partnership between us and the state has been mutually beneficial. The governor and his entire team have created a very conducive environment for us to do business here. 

"We are happy with the state and as God enables us, we will continue to intervene in critical sectors like education, health and others. We will certainly extend it beyond Ikogosi-Ekiti."

The Senate Leader extolled the bank for the initiative and called on members of the community to take ownership of the project aimed at promoting educational development in the state. 

Bamidele said, "I know that it's an issue that cannot be over addressed. It is important that the community owns up to this. The bank has done it at the governor's instance but for this to be sustainable, it is important that the community itself see that there is a culture of maintenance. 

"I also believe that is also the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and SUBEB. We have no doubt that it would be well-maintained and the fact that the governor has this place as his own root. 

"It is also something that would be a check and balance effect on all stakeholders that are concerned. It's a joy that will be cherished by everyone including those who have the responsibility to maintain this place."

Chief Ayo Ademilua, the Asaoye Of Ikogosi Ekiti, who spoke on behalf of the community, commended Premium Trust Bank for the gesture describing the initiative as " fulfilled promises, generosity, renewed hope and an enduring investment in the future of our children."