PUPILS and teachers of the Lagos Progressive Schools could hardly contain their excitement as Stanbic IBTC Bank officially handed over a newly refurbished building to the schools' management after a comprehensive facelift, in support of the 'Adopt-a-School' initiative of the Lagos State Government.Comprising of primary, junior and senior secondary schools in the Surulere area of Lagos State, the schools now wear a new look with the rehabilitation and painting of the buildings, provision of water supply, construction of separate toilets for teachers and students, installation of air-conditioning units in the principals' offices, provision of white boards in all the classrooms and general renovation of other facilities.While handing over the facilities at a ceremony held recently, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, reiterated the bank's commitment to facilitating a better future for the Nigerian child by providing them with opportunities to have qualitative education in an enabling environment.According to her, the project, which forms an integral part of the bank's corporate social investment initiative, 'is designed to support community development in the area of providing qualitative education for all children irrespective of their social status, background, ethnic group or religion.'She said: 'This initiative is the pilot in a series of community development projects of this kind to be implemented by Stanbic IBTC Bank. We believe strongly in adding value to the communities in which we operate. We will continue to identify partnership opportunities towards the sustained development of the education sector in the state and across the country'.While maintenance work will also be sustained by bank, David-Borha enjoined the students to play their own part by working hard to excel in their academics and ensuring that facilities provided are not vandalized.'Teachers and students must all make collective efforts to protect what has been put in place. Our desire to contribute to the development of the education sector is borne out of our belief that inside every child lies a seed, a greatness, and if they (children) strive hard, they can to fulfill their potentials' she addedShe further charged the students to always keep their dream alive and avoid all forms of distraction in life. ' Future presidents and governors can come out of this school, so always work hard at every level of your educational pursuit. At Stanbic IBTC, we are happy to be part of this development and contributing our quota towards the development of education in the country'.A member of Standard Bank Group, she explained that the banks 'is a full service universal bank, with a focus on three main business pillars - Corporate and Investment Banking, Personal and Business Banking and Wealth ManagementThe 'Adopt-a-School' initiative is one of several community development projects undertaken by the bank over the past few years. Other completed projects include the donations of a digital library to the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria; power generating plant to the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos; provision of borehole to the Nigeria Police College, Kaduna and the donation of educational materials to MUSON School of Music, among others.Representing the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Head Planning, Research and Education, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Mrs. Morenike Sobajo described the gesture as a bold statement about its commitment towards the younger generation and future leaders of the country.
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