Cleric decries state of schools in Imo State

CHINEMEREM OKEREKE – Owerri

An Anglican prelate and Bishop of Egbu, in Imo State, the Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor has expressed displeasure at the deplorable condition of some primary and secondary schools in the state.

Bishop Okorafor, who was speaking recently at a Eucharistic service of Confirmation, Admission and Induction for Amator Parish at the St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Umuokoro, Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of the state, wondered why the state government has continued to put on hold the use of the new school buildings scattered in the 27 local government areas, which he said, now serve as abodes for criminals.

He decried a situation where, in this 21st century, pupils in Imo State still study under hazardous conditions of cracked walls and tattered roofs

The bishop urged the state government to quickly redress the situation, bearing in mind that among the pupils are future presidents and governors.

Bishop Okoroafor also advised the Federal Government to improve on its intelligence gathering over the worsening security situation in the country, adding that Nigeria now ranked high in insurgency and kidnapping.

The Bishop, who was at his home Church station in conclusion of the 2015 Episcopal visits, commended the Vicar, Ven Emmanuel Nwauzo, his wife, Ogechi and other church workers in the parish for fishing out candidates presented for admission into the entire five categories.

He also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the congregation and admonished them to remain unflinching in their services, challenging them to work towards the dedication of the newly designed Church auditorium in 2017.