By Becky Usman

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, distributed cheques totaling N1.524 billion to mission schools within the state, signaling the government’s commitment to improving educational quality and infrastructure.

During a meeting at Government Lodge, Amawbia, Governor Soludo presented these funds to the owners and operators of 762 Anambra Mission Schools. The breakdown of the disbursements included N2,000,000 each for 762 schools, N16,000,000 for eight Salvation Army Schools, N550,000,000 for 275 Anambra Anglican Mission Public Schools, N918,000,000 for 459 Anambra Catholic Mission Public Schools, and N40,000,000 for 20 Anambra Pentecostal Schools.

In his address, Governor Soludo emphasized his administration’s comprehensive agenda for the education sector. He praised mission schools for their significant contribution to the healthcare sector and expressed concern about the state of public education and healthcare.

Governor Soludo pledged to equip all general hospitals with solar power to ensure access to quality healthcare and to eliminate unqualified medical facilities. He emphasized his goal of revitalizing both the education and healthcare sectors, essential duties of government.

The governor acknowledged the existence of two-tiered education opportunities, where the children of the wealthy attend private or mission schools while the children of the poor rely on public schools. He reiterated his vision to develop a skilled workforce, modernize schools, and establish Leadership Science and Technology Schools.

Furthermore, Governor Soludo encouraged community involvement in schools and proposed the formation of a Club of Patrons for public schools. He expressed gratitude to mission schools for their vital role in the absence of government support.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Moses Ezedebego, Chairman of PFN, Anambra State Chapter, thanked Governor Soludo for fostering cooperation among religious denominations in support of education.