An Enugu diaspora group, Ozara Union USA (OUUSA), has concluded plans to hold its first Nigerian convention to raise funds for the renovation and equipping of a school laboratory.
The president of the United States-based group, Larry Okoh told The Easterner that the convention will take place on 30th December, 2015 at the Ozalla High School, Ozalla, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
“OUUSA has for the past ten years through her Education Assistance Project (EAP) aimed at supporting quality education, awarded prizes to the best pupils and donated educational materials annually to the six public primary schools in Ozara town, also known as Ozalla”, Okoh said.
He said the highpoint of their intervention in education so far was in 2011 when the union undertook the remodeling and upgrade of a dilapidated classroom building, making it safe and comfortable for learning.
“This year’s convention is the first to be held in Nigeria. Proceeds from the fundraising will be used to renovate and refurbish the science laboratory building of Ozalla High School, Ozalla”, he said.
Also speaking to The Easterner, the vice chairman of the convention planning committee, Ody Nnaji said the convention was driven by their concern for the poor quality of science education in the school.
She said: “Our children in Ozalla High School have not had a full exposure in their academic pursuit because of the condition of the science laboratory. We will never know if the next great physicist or chemist in Enugu State or Nigeria would have come from the school.
“This is why we in OUUSA with the help of our friends have decided to give them this exposure they lack to achieve their full potential.
“The mind is a terrible thing to waste. We must not let the future doctors, nurses, engineers, pharmacist etc. in Ozara go to waste.”
Founding president of the union, Dr. Okwi Igwe also justified their focus on education, saying the society in general stands to reap the benefits in the end.
“It has been over 10 years, but it seems like it was just yesterday when we implemented the first EAP. We hope that our collective effort and generosity will instill in the Ozara students a sense of responsibility in order that they can grow and develop, and appear in utmost beauty as respectable citizens”, he said.
