TheCable

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the rebuilding of Government Secondary School Chibok, which was destroyed by Boko Haram in April 2014 during the kidnap of more than 200 girls of the school.

The president, who was represented by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, coordinating minister for the economy and minister of fiance, reiterated the determination of his administration to root out insurgency in the north-east and vowed not to abandon the abducted schoolgirls.

“We sympathise with the Chibok community. We know what you are going through. But I want to assure you that we are working day and night to make sure that life returns to normal, both in your community and all others affected by terrorism,” he said.

“This administration promised to rebuild the Government Secondary School in Chibok which was destroyed by terrorists. Today, I am laying the foundation for the remodelling and reconstruction of this school.

“We want our students to go back to school. We want them to get the education they need to live a decent life. We will support them and we will do everything we can to support their parents and the entire community.

“We will also not forget the Chibok girls. We are working hard to ensure that they return home. As a father, I can feel the pain of the parents. What happened was tragic. But I want you to know that this administration cares. We will not abandon our children. We are with you.”

According to the president, the reconstructed Chibok school will have a state-of-the art library and laboratory, computer and ICT centre, a sports arena and a clinic.

“For security, it will have a gate house and observation post to be manned by well-equipped security agents,” he said.

“Given the fact that most of the staff quarters, including that of the principal, were destroyed during the attack, a new staff accommodation and a principal house will be constructed.

“The school will run on solar power, and a water reservoir will be built for the new dormitories. The reconstructed school will include a brand new administration block.”

More than 3000 students in Chibok have been unable to return to school since the deadly attack by Boko Haram in the community. And President Jonathan has said this is unacceptable.

He noted that while serious efforts were still being made to rescue the kidnapped girls, those currently at home should be supported to return to school.

He stated that the kidnapped girls should return to a community that has seen some improvement in their absence.

“This is the happiest day of my life,” Asabe Ali Kwambula, principal of the school said, thanking the government and welcoming the president to the community.

The minister was accompanied by Sani Sidi, director-general of National Emergency Management Agency, Charles Otegbede, air commodore and other dignitaries.