From ALOYSIUS ATTAH, Onitsha
They pray daily to God to inspire them as Rotarians to live as they profess: to dignify their daily task and serve in selflessness.
And for the members of Rotary Club of Onitsha metropolis, the prayer has been accomplished since they live in the true meaning of that creed from their numerous works of charity.
Recently, it was the turn of the staff and pupils of Sancta Maria Primary School, Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha to get a feel of their milk of kindness.
The school got a donation of a six-room ultra modern toilet from the club.
For the school community, it was a gift that touched them in their innermost heart because the only existing toilet facility in the premises has been stretched beyond its limit in catering for the teeming population of staff and pupils.
The club in carrying out the project spared nothing in making it to look ultra-modern.
The structure was built with solid materials, all interior marbled with non-stop water flow with reservoir added with fresheners and detergents to make it ever hygienic.
Not only that, they employed a toilet attendant whose duty is to ensure an all-round the clock service.
Impressed by the service, the Chancellor, Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Anthony Asoanya, while invoking God’s grace on the facility declared that anyone who visited the toilet would go home blessed.
The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke was represented by Monsignor Nathaniel Obiagba who incidentally cut the tape to commission the project.
Speaking to Oriental News, the President, Rotary Club of Onitsha Metropolis, District 9140, Mrs. Margaret Oputa, a lawyer, said the project was heartwarming because it was basically designed for little kids.
She said by the gesture, Rotary is teaching the kids how to maintain hygiene and the importance of giving back to the society without expecting anything in return.
“The school pupils don’t know us and we came, brought our money, time and resources to do this for them. We want them when they grow up tomorrow to ask what they can do for the society and no longer what they expect government to do for them and I think that’s the only way we can develop this country,” she said.
The President explained that Rotarians are people who believe in the ideals of service and rendering back to the society.
She clarified that Rotary is a non-political, non-religious and not a philanthropic organization as some may think, saying that it is an all service oriented organisation that helps others that have the means to actualize their dreams.
She disclosed that they would embark on literacy quiz competition next month for secondary schools and give scholarships at the end of the programme as part of its continued efforts to render services to humanity.
The past president and the current chairman of the Service Project, Rotarian Afam Obi in a remark noted that the project was conceived because of the need to upgrade the living standards of the pupils in the 21st Century.
He likened the provision of modern toilet facility to being information technology compliant unlike when people relied on going to the bush to defecate or researching with analogue method.
He said their service comes in different directions, saying that they went the extra mile in doing the project so as to stand the test of time, disclosing that the project is in line with the rural water and sanitation project of the Rotary.
Another founding member and past president, Dr Emma Udeakpeh also said that the project was the outcome of the interface the club had with the school which led to the discovery that they needed a toilet facility.
He said that Rotary does not hesitate whenever it sees a need to fulfill.
The school headmistress, Lady Monica Ozojie, who could not hide her joy, described the day as wonderful and a dream come true.
She disclosed that toilet facility has been an issue since she was posted to the school and revealed that it was the Rotary that approached the school management early this year and asked them to make a request on what they needed.
She said that the project was completed within one month to the surprise of all in the school and said the greatest lesson for the kids in the school is for them to realize that one does not care only for one’s family members and friends.
The Chairman, Parents Teachers Dialogue of the school, Hon. Basil Onubeze thanked the Rotary family for the kind gesture.
He lauded the timely and professional touch given to the project and called on other well-meaning associations to toe the same path exemplified by the Rotary Club.
Another past president of the club, Dr. Abba. A. Abba described the project as a laudable initiative which they have achieved for the year 2015 and expressed hope that more would be accomplished.
In a vote of thanks, the incoming president of the club, Ada Slim Ilechukwu thanked all who contributed in any way towards making the project successful.
She said that the Rotary District 9140 would remain a pace-setter as she called for the support of all members and friends in the club.
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