Jubilation As Fidelity Bank Donates Library To Rivers Community Secondary School

Victor Edozie

It was a jubilation galore at Olanada Junior Community Secondary School , Rumola in Obio Akpor Local Government of Rivers State as Fidelity Helping Hands Program , a Corporate Social Responsibility of Fidelity Bank PLC donated a constructed library facility to the school.

Speaking at the epoch making event , Mr Charles Chukwu, Group Head, Compliance Division of Fidelity Bank plc said the donation of the reconstructed library represents more than the opening of a facility.

Mr Chukwu said that the reconstructed library facility marks the opening of a gateway to knowledge, imagination and opportunity for every student who will make use of this library.

He said when members of the Compliance Division of Fidelity Bank Plc learnt that the school had no dedicated library, the Division saw an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting contribution.

Chukwu said through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), the Division transformed an existing classroom into a modern library, equipped with reading furniture, bookshelves and a workstation for the librarian.

He said with the FHHP, staff across it’s business locations identify projects that impact their immediate community and raise funds to execute them.

He said , “The bank’s management thereafter matches this contribution with an equal amount and disburses it for the selected project. The project we are about to commission today has therefore been part-financed by staff of our Compliance Division.

” This project reflects the commitment of Fidelity Bank to supporting quality education and strengthening the communities we serve. Under our Education CSR pillar, the bank has renovated classrooms and libraries, provided desks and learning materials, supported financial literacy programmes and implemented the Read2Lead initiative to promote reading and creative writing among young Nigerians.

“These interventions are founded on a simple conviction: Education builds confidence, expands opportunity and empowers young people to shape a better future. Dear students, this library has been provided for your growth. Read broadly, study diligently and allow the knowledge you gain here to strengthen your character and prepare you for the future.

“Treat every book, chair, table and shelf with care. Keep the library clean and orderly. Remember that what has been entrusted to you today must remain available to students who will come after you.

“To the Principal, teachers and school authorities, we respectfully entrust this facility to your care. We charge you to make the library accessible, actively encourage its use and establish firm measures for its proper management and regular maintenance.

” The success of this project will not be measured by the beauty of the facility today. It will be measured by the number of students whose minds it enriches, the dreams it inspires and the condition in which it is handed to future generations.

“On behalf of the Compliance Division of Fidelity Bank Plc, I say thank you to the management of the bank, members of the division, the school authorities and everyone whose contribution made this project possible. Our fervent prayer is that every student who enters this library find knowledge, discipline and inspiration within its walls.

“As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

“May this library equip you with that weapon. May you use it wisely. May you protect it carefully. May you pass it on proudly.”

Earlier in his welcome address the Principal of Community Junior Secondary School, Olanada , Comrade Marcus Numbarabari said that the donation of the reconstructed library was a remarkable event in the school community.

He expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank PLC saying that the laudable project will create a lasting positive impact on the students and greatly enhance teaching, learning and reading culture in our school.

He assured that the facility will be properly protected, maintained, and put to judicious use for the benefit of the institution students.

Also speaking Mr Amadi Iwai Christopher, the Supervising Director, Obio Akpor Local Government Education Authority said that Rivers State Basic Universal Education Board is a sub head of the Universal Basic Education Committee at the federal level.

He noted that going by the educational law in the country it’s the duty of government to provide and equip library in all the institutions but expressed surprise that Fidelity Bank is complementing the efforts of government in providing basic education.

“I therefore commend Fidelity Bank on behalf of Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board. The Executive Chairman of Rivers State Universal Basic Education is so happy with Fidelity Bank and the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board in particular and the Ministry of Education are so happy.

“I will communicate what I have observed and I will appeal that you should continue to partner with us to make education to be what it supposed to be in our country. May I use this opportunity to appeal to the Principal and Management of Olanada including the other critical stakeholders including my respected Chiefs and other Traditional rulers you can see the investment Fidelity Bank has done.

“it therefore behold on the critical stakeholders to complement this efforts by ensuring that the facility is secured. On our own part as government agency we shall continue to support basic education and also propel on the government at all levels to continue to provide an enabling environment that will enable big organizations to support education in our local environment,” he pointed out.

Speaking on behalf of Parents Teachers Association, PTA, of the school, the Vice Principal, Academic of the school, Mrs Wobo Okechiyere commended Fidelity Bank PLC for providing the facility to the school.

She said that the facility will promote reading culture among students of the school and called on other organizations to emulate the bank.

Master Donald Nelson, Senior Prefect of the School who spoke on behalf of the students commended Fidelity Bank for the reconstruction of the library and promised that students of the school will make judicious use of the facility.