By Our Correspondent
An International Non-Governmental Organization, Hello International USA, has flagged off a feeding programme/education Initiative at Ngawk Community in Bokkos Local Government of Plateau-Nigeria.
The Programme is said to be in partnership with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the School Feeding Programme and the Plateau State Government through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
The initiative was aimed at delivering the much-needed instructional materials and implement a school feeding program for students in Ngawk community.
A statement issued in Bokkos by Mr Isaac Mapis-Jonathan,
Director Media
Bokkos LGA , said that the impactful initiative was supported by key partners, including the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Shift Initiative, and other stakeholders, working together to address educational and nutritional needs in the community.
Dr. Nkiruka Agbazue, founder of Hello International USA from New Jersey, shared her inspiration for the mission, drawing from 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Agbazue explained that Hello International stands for Hope, Empowerment, Love, Life and Oneness, reflecting the organization’s commitment to transforming the lives of children in rural communities.
She expressed the hope that their presence in Ngawk would greatly help in meeting the basic educational needs and improve the quality of lives of the people in the community.
The Executive Governor of Plateau, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, affirmed the state government’s dedication to improving educational standards and commended Hello International for its support in enhancing the future prospects of the state’s children.
Mutfwang, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Obed Afawanks, said, “Through this initiative, Hello International has donated classroom blocks, books, school uniforms, bags, and educational materials, and provided meals for select primary schools across Plateau State.
“These efforts embody Hello International’s core values: Hope, Empowerment, Love, Life, and Oneness.”
Representing the Executive Chairman of Bokkos LGA, Hon. Amalau Samuel, Deputy Chairman Hon. M.J. Walangko, applauded the initiative and its significance and emphasized the importance of fostering such partnerships for human and capital development in the region.
Hon. Engr. Sunday Amuna, Executive Chairman of SUBEB, represented by Hon. Nanpon Jonah, SUBEB’s Public Relations Officer, expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government for partnering with Hello International
Amuna recognized the state’s focus on educational development, including the importance of continuous training for teachers.
The occasion was attended dignitaries including Mrs. Ulan V. Jatau, CEO of Shift Initiative, and directors from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, such as Mrs. Esther Moses (DFS), Mallam Tukur (Nutrition), Aliyu Baba (Administration), Ayuba Dakup (Planning), Elizabeth Mann (Deputy Director of International Cooperation),
Others are Irene Yilyok (Internal Auditor), and Mrs. Rotmwa Kassah (Information Officer).
From Bokkos Local Government Council, esteemed members in attendance included: Hon. Mrs. Gambo Malua, Council Secretary; Hon. Christy Loyi, DPM; Hon. Macham Kibangs, Council Leader; Hon. Amos Damwash, Kwatas Ward Councillor.
Hon. Luka Yavuruk, Chief of Staff, on behalf of Bokkos Local Government Area, the council and community expressed profound gratitude for this initiative, which promises to strengthen educational opportunities and improve the well-being of children in the region.
Some community members, who spoke during the occasion, expressed gratitude to the organizers of the program and said he’s excitement about the program’s potential to uplift local education and highlighted urgent community needs such as improved infrastructure, particularly the Wur Bridge and better road access.
