by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
PLATEAU STATE: The Councillor representing Vanderpuye Ward, who doubles as Deputy Leader of Jos North Legislative Council, Hon. Anthony Okoro Uzoma, has paid the school fees of 15 indigent students across two secondary schools in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The beneficiary schools are Government Secondary School (GSS), West of Mines and Rot Norong Secondary School.
The intervention, which took place on Tuesday in Jos, brought relief to the students, many of whom were said to be on the verge of dropping out due to inability to pay their fees.
Speaking during the presentation, Hon. Uzoma said impacting the lives of the less-privileged, especially women and children within his community and society at large, has always been his passion.
Narrating what inspired the initiative, he recounted a painful experience from his secondary school days:
“Something terrible happened during my secondary school days. I lost my close friend, Franklin, who was sent home over non-payment of school fees. After all efforts we made through our Form Master proved abortive, he died. Till today, no one can explain what really happened to him the next day.
That incident became my motivating factor. I promised that, if God blesses me in life, I will touch the lives of people around me, especially the vulnerable.”
He explained that the 15 beneficiaries were selected, based on their level of vulnerability within his constituency, and assured that he would do more, by the grace of God.
Hon. Uzoma expressed appreciation to the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, whom he described as a “Talk-and-do Governor,” championing The Time is Now administration, for providing the enabling environment to contribute to society. He also appreciated the Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, Hon. J.K. Chris, for his support.
He noted that he draws support from spirited friends and former classmates, who always respond whenever the need arises, adding that he remains committed to putting smiles on the faces of his people.
According to him, the gesture will soon be extended to Government Secondary School, Township, stressing that supporting education and investing in children is investing in the future.
In their separate responses, the two principals from GSS Rot Norong, Danbaba Appolos Kefas SNR, Nanko Bako JNR and that of GSS West of Mines, Victoria Dingmun SNR, Nyam Margaret of the beneficiary schools commended Hon. Uzoma for the gesture, describing him as a man with compassion for the people and passion for education.
Similarly, parents, eyewitnesses and beneficiaries on behalf of others, Donendung James and David Kilyobas, both thanked the Councillor for his love and compassion for the vulnerable.
Thereafter, the atmosphere was filled with emotion as the students expressed gratitude, with one of the beneficiaries reportedly shedding tears of joy.
Accompanying the councilor are, Hon Theresa Udeji, Samuel Oluwaseyi, Ruby Frank, Gbenga Ajibi, Dozie Orsudun and the head of the Media Team.