Years ago, while I was in my village during the passing of my elder brother, I decided to organize a tutorial for the final-year science students of my Community Secondary School who were preparing for their WAEC examinations.
At that time, I was barely in SS1.
Chemistry and Biology were my best subjects in secondary school, so I focused the tutorial on the four core science subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. However, to my greatest disappointment, the first day of our Chemistry class turned into an eye-opener. I discovered that the students, who were preparing for their final exams, could not differentiate between acids and bases. None of them could even mention a single characteristic of these substances.
At that moment, the enthusiasm, zeal, and courage that brought me into the class nearly vanished. Yet, I refused to give up on them. Apart from the lack of qualified teachers, the school laboratory was entirely empty—bereft of materials, substances, or equipment.
When I left the village, I carried with me a deep sense of frustration and sadness over the glaring absence of proper science education in my community. That experience, over 25 years ago, remains fresh in my mind to this day.
Fast forward to November 2023, after the Kogi State governorship election. Upon my return to Lokoja, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi State, welcomed me warmly. During our conversation, he said, “CPS, I heard what happened in the East during the election. I was so scared for our people, which is why we kept calling to ensure everyone’s safety. There is no need for fight or intimidation if we truly understand politics. You guys are all brothers, and we are brothers in Kogi State because God didn’t make a mistake in keeping us together as one people. Think of no revenge for whatever happened but ensure that something is done in your place as proof that it’s not about who is governor but who can bring development. When the people know that development can come to them through you, they will listen to you. That is the best way to correct political misunderstandings.”
This advice resonated deeply with me. In May 2024, I approached the governor to discuss the dire state of amenities in my community and requested intervention. He responded with a touch of humor, saying, “Galacticus, which community do I think doesn’t need government presence in one way or another? Meanwhile, our planned community projects across the state will commence soon . Every community in Kogi State will feel the positive impact of our administration as we will not leave any stone unturned in our desire to aggressively bring development to our people”.
From there, I met with my friend, Mr. Dauda Momoh who is the Head of the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency and told him jokingly that “you and I will wear the same trousers this year. you must start a project in my community.” We laughed, and he replied, “Galacticus, we’re here to serve our people. If not for funding challenges, you wouldn’t see anyone in this office—we’d all be in the field, including me. But don’t worry; we’ll start something in your community along others this year.”
Today, I am overjoyed to share that the Kogi State government, through the Community and Social Development Agency, is constructing a fully-equipped science laboratory at the same Community Secondary School I visited 28 years ago. The laboratory will cover core science subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, alongside a library.
Additionally, the government is renovating classrooms and constructing a clinic to serve the school and the broader community. These projects are set to be completed and fully operational by February 2025.
I visited the site on December 26 to inspect the ongoing work and was highly impressed by the quality and progress made so far.
I on behalf of my community extend my heartfelt gratitude to my friend, Mr. Dauda Momoh, and his team at the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency for their remarkable work.
Their efforts have positively impacted countless communities across the state.
I also want to commend every son and daughter of Umomi who are contributing to the development of the community and the leadership of the Progressives Union headed by Thani Atogbe.
Written by Mohammed Galacticus Onogwu
Add Comment