Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has commissioned a model children’s school in Sum, Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The school was built by the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) under the leadership of its National President and wife of the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Yahaya at the commissioning ceremony, Secretary to Government of Gombe State, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, commended POWA for its commitment to education and community development.
“We have been keeping close tabs on the impressive strides of POWA under the visionary leadership of Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun,” Professor Njodi said. “Her efforts to uplift the standard of education, especially at a time when national performance indicators such as the recent JAMB results are discouraging, deserve commendation.”
He described Dr. Egbetokun as a worthy ambassador of the North, adding, “As Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Inuwa Yahaya assures POWA of continued support, especially with Dr. Egbetokun being one of our own.”
Professor Njodi also challenged POWA to replicate the model school initiative across the 19 northern states and encouraged other organizations and privileged individuals to emulate POWA’s commitment to education.
“Let this be a call to action for others. Our society must prioritize education, and we welcome all efforts geared towards enhancing educational outcomes,” he added.
Reaffirming the Gombe State Government’s commitment to quality education, Professor Njodi conveyed the Governor’s request for POWA to submit the bill of quantities for the school’s expansion project to enable possible intervention.
In her remarks, Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun said the commissioning marked a significant milestone for POWA.
“This school represents our core values in action. It is not only a gift to this community but a symbol of our belief in the future of our children,” she stated. “We owe it to the families of those who serve the nation to contribute meaningfully to their welfare and the development of our communities.”
She described the model school as a beacon of hope and a foundation for grooming future leaders.
“Our vision is to raise children who will become policymakers, technocrats, and economic drivers of tomorrow,” Dr. Egbetokun said.
The event also featured a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a secondary school, a fundraising session, and an empowerment program for women and youth in Sum community.
Goodwill messages were delivered by various dignitaries, including the representative of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.
The Gombe State delegation included Commissioner for Education, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari; Commissioner for Internal Security, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Bello (Rtd); Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Shehu Yerima Abdullahi; Chairperson of the Teachers Service Commission, Mrs. Na’omi Maigwa; Special Adviser on Security Matters, Abubakar Aminu Musa; Permanent Secretary, SS&Pol, Alh. Salihu Adamu Sambo; and SSA on Security Matters, Yusuf Danbayo.
The high point of the event was the official commissioning of the model school, followed by the groundbreaking for the secondary school and the empowerment initiative led by the POWA President.
— JD, IO, SGS office.
