From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo today laid a foundation for the establishment of a special school for the needy children in Benue state.
The school project is established by the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Bidhop Wilfred Anagbe, as a pet project to celebrate his silver jubilee.
Speaking during the event, Obasanjo who said he was happy to be a partakaker in the significant and symbolic event commended Bishop Anagbe for the project.
He praised him for catering for special people who he noted need special attention but are always neglected saying “they are disempowered, they need help.”
The former President prayed that God will reward the Bishop and all faithfuls for their efforts in assisting the young people with special needs to lead normal lives.
Obasanjo also lauded the collaboration between the church and government in social development of the state saying “I heard the Governor say the church work hand in hand with the government. That is how is should be and it is very commendable.”
Obasanjo emphasized that Nigerian leaders must ensure spirituality and morality are to be carried along with governance for the nation to be where it should be.
He therefore urged the Bishop to count on his support for the needed facility development for the children in the school with a promise that he will pass from time to time to see th level of development of the school.
Welcoming the former President to the Food Basket state, Governor Samuel Ortorm described Obasanjo as the father of all farmers in Nigeria.
He informed that the Catholic church have been very supportive of state government working as partners in the development of the state.
He noted that because of the ground breaking event, the catholic church had already constructed a road into the community and pledged to continue to partner with the church for quality service delivery in the state.
Earlier Bishop Wilfred Anagbe appreciated God for the symbolic event. He said “these set of humans are created by God. They have life and body like us and needs to be attended to. We are doing this because we don’t want to leave anybody out. So we need to give them sense of meaning and belonging.
He re-echoed that the society is too materialistic that they forget those who are not useful to us immediately. But they have life in them and that life must be upheld.
“For us in the church, from the cradle to the grave, life is valuable and meaninful andwe will fo our best to upholf it.
The Bishop said the Benue people and church in particular is also involved in agricultural ativities as only the Agro -Allied industry can ensure sustenable development just ad he thanked yhe former presideny for you for the honour of performing the groundbreaking.
