By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has presented cheques worth N1.524 billion to mission schools in the state as government support to improve quality of education and infrastructure.

He presented the cheques to owners/operators of Anambra Mission Schools during a meeting held at Government Lodge in Amawbia on Thursday.

A total of 762 Anambra Mission Schools received N2,000,000 each from the state government, while eight schools earlier returned to Salvation Army Schools received a total sum of N16,000,000.

Two hundred and seventy-five schools which have been returned to Anambra Anglican Mission Public Schools received a total sum of N550,000,000, while four hundred and fifty-nineschools returned to Anambra Catholic Mission Public Schools received a total sum of N918,000,000.

Also, twenty schools initially owned by Anambra Pentecostal Schools received a total sum of N40,000,000.

Speaking at the event, the governor described the education sector as one large sector, for which his administration has a large agenda.

Soludo applauded owners of mission schools for their active participation in the health sector, of which most hospitals belong and decried the state of public sector components in the area of education and health.

He stressed that both sectors are fundamentally slacking backwards and that part of his agenda is to restore them, saying: “It is part of the primary duty of government anywhere in the world.

“When I assumed office, no general hospitals had doctors, but I am giving assurance that all general hospitals will be equipped with solar power so that ndi Anambra can have access to a qualitative healthcare system and educational system, especially the poorest of the poor.

“Hundreds of quack hospitals are in operation. I am committed to cleaning up the sector to make it work.

“In the area of education, this is why we are here and what we are trying to achieve on education is also the same we want to achieve in the public health sector.”

The Governor expressed displeasure that the society is creating two sets of citizens; the children of the poor abandoned in public schools and the children of the rich/average who can afford missions or private schools.

He maintained that his government drive is to develop human capital in the state that will be productive at home and exportable abroad as well as to refurbish and recreate schools that will be smart, digital inclined.

While disclosing his plans to commence Leadership Science and Technology Schools, he added

“We shall be encouraging ndi Anambra to adopt schools in their communities but even if you can’t, you can at least buy a pencil for a child. You will be amazed at what difference you can make. Club of Patrons will be formed in these public schools. We want communities to take ownership of these schools.”

Soludo further hailed operators of Mission schools for their efforts over the years and what they will continue to do, describing them as almost being a substitute for the government.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of PFN, Anambra State Chapter, Bishop Moses Ezedebego on behalf of all Anambra Mission Schools said that the Governor has demonstrated leadership, showing that all religious denominations can work together as a family.

Bishop Ezedebego stressed that the Governor has wiped the tears of uncountable millions of poor ndi Anambra and his deeds today will remain indelible in the annals of the State history