UBEB, others commend Israel Ibeleme Foundation for philanthropy

Oru Leonard

The Israel Ibeleme foundation (IIF),a non-governmental organisation (NGO), on Wednesday, November 14, 2019 received a commendation letter from the FCT, Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Abuja for renovating a block of three classrooms at the Junior Secondary School (JSS) Gosa, a suburb along the Lugbe/Airport road, Abuja in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) who was represented by the Permanent Board member, Prince Suleiman Tanko Abubakar, remarked that the initiative is a challenge to all Nigerian youths and also an inspiration to all Nigerians.

“Education is meant for all and it is a collective responsibility for all to take the right step. If five percent of the rich in the country channel their money to help the poor, the country will develop and be a better place for all”, he noted.

Former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly in Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Mukaila Akande Azeez said that Ambassador Israel Ibeleme has challenged him to do more philanthropy, adding that we should try and live in the minds of people rather than storing wealth.

Speaking during the commissioning, the school principal, Mr Achi Michael lauded the good gesture, and urged others to emulate the Foundation.

He advised Nigerians to imbibe the culture of giving back to the society, no matter how small.

He noted that the classrooms were in shambles as shown in the banner when he was newly transferred to the school.

“The ceiling, the floor and the walls were all in a sorry state and the convener of the foundation assured us that he will renovate the classrooms and he kept to his word,” he said.

Hannah Abraham, a student of the school, commended the foundation, saying that the renovation of the classrooms will make their learning environment more comfortable.

“Before now, we hardly use the classrooms because we were afraid that the classrooms might collapse.

“The ceilings and walls were already falling off and we hardly enter the classes. So, they merged us with other students to share classrooms where we take our lessons,” she said.

Earlier, the Convener of the IIF, Amb. Israel Ibeleme urged others to assist the less privileged in the society, stating that one must not be rich before giving back to the society .

He revealed that the commissioning was unique to him because it was the first time the Foundation was commissioning classrooms in Abuja.

He said the Foundation is a humanitarian Organization borne out of passion to mitigate sufferings amongst the most vulnerable people in remote areas of the society.

“Our focus is on widows, school children and empowerment. So far we are 13 years old as a humanitarian NGO without funding. Israel Ibeleme Foundation has reached out to vulnerable men, women and children in the society through our rigorous programs.

“And today is one of those days the Foundation is seeing its vision visible. We are gathered here today to celebrate with the students of JSS Gosa on the commissioning of a renovated building that will enhance conducive education.

“IIF as a Foundation is an instrument used by God to assist the less privileged. Today’s activity is solely to encourage our children’s education. May I use this medium to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his good thoughts and implementing policies in the education sector which has contributed immensely since his inception” Israel concluded.