They are neighbours to Amaeke Ngwo. For some communities, living as neighbours could be nightmarish in times of skirmishes, but in times of peace neighbouring communities enjoy mutual benefits.
This is the case of the people of Eke in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, who are now reaping from living close to the people of Amaeke Ngwo whose domain houses the Ama Plant of the Nigerian Breweries Plc.
If not for the Nigerian Breweries, the Central Primary School, Eke founded in 1910 by the Catholic missionaries would have remained a rural school despite the fact that it had produced many eminent personalities in the state and beyond.
The school had started with six pupils, including the late Justice Daddy Onyeama, the first Nigerian to be appointed a judge at the International Court of Justice, Hague and the grandfather of Kanu Nwankwo’s wife, the late Mazi Joseph Onyeabor.
The legendary Chief Onyeama n’Eke who ruled the community in the ancient time was said to have been convinced by the white man of the need to welcome western education and his agreement led to the establishment of the Central School Eke.
The school stated as a private missionary school managed by the Catholic Church and later a public school after the takeover by the government in 1970.
It was when the government took over the school that its fortunes tumbled until the Nigerian Breweries Plc decided to come to its rescue.
In the penultimate week, the Nigerian Breweries commissioned a school block of six classrooms and library it built for the Central Primary School, Eke thus making it a modern school in fulfillment of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts (CSR).
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of NB Plc, Mr Nicolaas Vervelde, disclosed that his company had in the last few years built and donated similar school blocks to Nsude, Awhum, and Ngwo Unor communities in the state.
“Our focus on educational infrastructure is to enhance the betterment of our children in Enugu State and Nigeria at large. Education is the greatest legacy to be bequeathed to any child and remains very paramount to our existence and sustainable development.
“As world class company, we have continued to support education in various aspects all over Nigeria in line with our ‘winning with Nigeria’’ philosophy,” he said.
Mr Vervelde disclosed that “the model school block has six classrooms furnished with tables and chairs for all teachers and pupils, a library with work station and books, and functional conveniences for all classes.”
The NB Plc boss said that his company appreciated the positive efforts of Governor Sullivan Chime in the development of education in the state.
“It is very obvious the government alone cannot carry the entire burden. As a responsible corporate citizen, we clearly support the government and people of Enugu State, hence this donation to the good people of Eke.
“My dear children, it is our hope that this facility will improve your comfort and enhance your learning ability. As you learn in this complex and acquire the desired knowledge for growth, you should always think of the right ideas for you to be better Nigerians. You must shun violence and other vices militating against our economic development and nation building,” he advised.
Vervelde pointed out that the building took enormous resources, saying that it was their expectation that the teachers, pupils and the community would assist to protect and maintain it for sustainable use.
He said that his company produces and markets high quality beverages for enjoyment, saying that their brands were up to mind in Enugu State and that the support towards their success in the marketing was overwhelming in the state.
“We must, therefore, continue to reciprocate this by showing our love and appreciation,” he said.
He thanked the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Harry Onuoha and his cabinet, the President General of Eke and his executive council, Hon Bona Udeh, former Udi LG Chairman, the head teacher and her team for the support given to them throughout the construction work and the preparation for the commissioning.
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