The ancient town of Ogidi was agog over the weekend as dignitaries attended the groundbreaking event and foundation-laying ceremony of Ijumu Anglican College of Nursing Sciences, the first tertiary institution in the local government area.
The Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim, expressed delight over the project, noting that it will receive the necessary support and cooperation it deserves.
Alhaji Haruna applauded the visionary qualities of the Bishop of the Diocese, Right Reverend Paul Ojo, assuring that all available resources would be deployed to ensure the speedy completion of the project.
“I want to thank God that this is happening during my tenure as the Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area. There is no doubt that there is currently a paradigm shift in the local government, and I want to assure you that you will not experience anything less during my tenure, by the grace of God.
“I also want to appreciate the facilitator of this project. By the special grace of God, in a short while, I will be here to commission this project. I assure you that we will utilise all available resources to fast-track its completion.
“Ogidi is my community, Ijumu is my local government, and Kogi is my state. My Lord Bishop, sir, we are happy that you are bringing this project to Ogidi. You don’t need to beg us—this is our project, and we will support it. It has become our project, not yours anymore.”
The Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, HRM Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, showered encomiums on the Bishop of Ijumu Anglican Diocese, describing him as a blessing to the Church and the entire local government.
Oba Ayeni commended Bishop Ojo for his continuous prayers and for bringing innovations that have transformed the Diocese.
The Chairman of the occasion and Chief Launcher, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, appealed to public-spirited individuals to support the college project generously, towards producing reputable health workers for the future of Okunland, Kogi State, and the nation.
Represented by Mr Joachim Olorunfemi Victor, Dr Ogunbiyi, who is the Group Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC, praised the Diocese for embarking on the project, noting that it was a step in the right direction.
On his part, the Ologidi of Ogidi, HRM Oba Rabiu Olademiji Sule, said he understands the value of the college, hence the donation of land free for the project.
Earlier, the Bishop of Ijumu Anglican Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Prof Paul Ojo, explained that the establishment of the college was in continuation of the efforts of the founding fathers of the Church in building schools.
In his words, “This is the first higher institution on the soil of Ijumu Kingdom—to God alone be all the glory. The vision for this college came as a result of prayers and the age-long yearnings for such infrastructural development in Okunland in general.
“We considered the role that corporate bodies—especially the Christian Church, such as the Anglican and Roman Catholic Missions, whom the Lord has used and is still using for the educational development of this area (Ijumu, Kabba, Bunu, Ekiti, Akoko, etc.)—can play to complement government efforts in bridging the gap and raising generations of graduate nurses and other health professionals from this area and beyond.”
He noted that once the college commences full operations, it will produce health workers who will be useful both locally and internationally.
“This College of Nursing Sciences is very dear to us, and I plead with all of us to rise up and ensure its establishment in this part of Okunland. Our children and the unborn generations will have it very close to them. The choice of a career will no longer be difficult, as there will be multiple opportunities nearby, allowing them to choose nursing as a profession.”
Prof Ojo, while appealing for public support for the success of the project, added that the motto of the college is: “There is Balm in Gilead.”
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