…lays block for Baba Rabi Foundation
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government is reviewing the operations of orphanages, old people’s homes, remand centres, schools for people with special needs and other such centres for vulnerable persons, for efficiency and improved impact.
Obaseki disclosed this during the Foundation-laying ceremony for Baba Rabi Foundation at Uzairue, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
He noted, “We are reviewing how orphanages, old people’s homes, remand centers, schools for people with special needs, and centres catering for vulnerable persons are managed in the state. As a government, we will do all it takes to support people with goodwill as we are ready to work with them to help us reach out to more vulnerable persons in our society.”
He commended the Chairperson of Baba Rabi Foundation, Mrs. Fatima Mede, on the initiative to build the facility, noting, “this is the kind of values people should celebrate. Even as a retired Permanent Secretary living off her gratuity and pensions, she considered it worthy to follow in the footsteps of her parents, Alhaji Baba Saliu Egele and Hajiha Rabi Saliu Egele, who were reputed for their philanthropy.”
Obaseki said, “Mrs. Fatima Mede is an accomplished Edo woman who rose through the ranks to become a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning. We are proud of her and happy that she is utilising her experience to serve her people.”
Earlier, the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Major General In-Tae Lee (retd.), commended the Chairperson of the Foundation for her contribution to the development of the society, noting, “This effort is quite commendable as it is geared towards eradication of poverty in rural communities through agricultural development. Rural development is a part of the policies of South Korea as a nation. We will continue to support the center to improve the lives of the people.”
On her part, Mrs. Fatima Mede commended Governor Obaseki and his entourage for taking part in the foundation-laying ceremony, adding, “The Foundation started as far back as 2006 with a focus to touch the lives of the people of the community.”
She said there was need for more people to work with government, as such support will fast-track development in the grassroots, noting that the foundation is her way of contributing to the development of the state.
According to her, the center will house a hospital for women and children, nursery and primary school, orphanage, vocational center, recreational facilities, which will serve the people of the community.
The Etsako West Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Yakubu Musa, represented by his vice, Hon. Abubakar Imonekhe, pledged to provide support to the foundation, and explained that NGOs play vital roles in the social and economic life of any community.