Press Release.
The German Development Cooperation a(GIZ) on behalf of the German government marks the official opening of the rehabilitated sports grounds of the Muslim Girl High School in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on May 11, 2017.
The GIZ cooperation with Ogun State government dates back to 2012, culminating in better relationship in four areas of intervention in 2014, focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency; Sustainable economic development; Technical vocational education and training; Agricultural value chain development and a special initiative called Sports for Development in Africa (S4DA).
Speaking at the event, GIZ’s portfolio Manager, Mr. Michael Sato who represents the country Director, Dr. Thomas Kirsch, said the support dates back to a visit of a government official in 2014,
“This very football ground we are officially opening today was rehabilitated and a multi-purpose court and changing room constructed. The upgrading project included a total construction budget of 95,000 EUR. The site has been completed in time and certified successfully for this handover today.
He added by saying that he hopes the school ground could be used for all-round sports activities,
“We hope that the new sports grounds offer the students of your school access to regular sport activities – such as football, volleyball, handball, lawn tennis and badminton – and to development opportunities through sport.
“We would therefore like to use this opportunity to also acknowledge the support given by the German Government to your school in the area of IT, and specifically the donation of 10 sets of internet ready PCs and 2 printers, based on a commitment also by Minister Mueller and financed via the German Embassy, represented here by the honorable Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Ingo Herbert,” he says.
The Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Ingo Herbert, however, urged Nigerians to operate with Team spirit.
“Team spirit is the secret of the success of the German economy and this should be emulated by Nigerians,” he says.
The commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in the state, Mrs. Modupe Mujota, represented by Mr. Salako Taiwo, coordinating director/zonal education officer, charged the students and management of the school to put to use positively the donated facilities.
“Let me charge the direct beneficiaries of these projects to maximize the opportunities provided by upscaling their academic performance and competitive exploits such that our benefactors will be encouraged to do more, school management are also urged to carefully maintain the facilities provided so they can serve us for a long period of time,” she says.
While thanking the German government, Principal of the school, Mrs. Ibrahim Bolanle Wasiat said,
“Construction and rehabilitation of sporting facilities are German Embassy’s second fulfilled promises to the school, May almighty God continue to replenish the pocket of the donor,“ she says.