The Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board, Florence Wenegieme, has called for stronger collaboration between government and private organisations to accelerate development and improve access to basic amenities in communities.

Wenegieme made the call on Thursday in Abuja while commending the Rotary Club of Abuja Sapphire for supporting government efforts to improve welfare and education infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement issued after the commissioning of three projects donated by the club to the Local Education Authority (LEA) School in Damangaza, a suburb of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, she said private initiatives were vital in complementing government interventions.

She also commended the development efforts of the FCT administration under Nyesom Wike.
“While government will continue to do its best in providing necessary amenities for the people, especially those in rural communities, private initiatives like those donated by the Rotary Club of Abuja Sapphire are equally needed to make life better in rural areas,” she said.

Wenegieme noted that the club’s intervention under the leadership of Pat Oramah had made schooling more conducive for students and improved the living conditions of residents.

She highlighted the club’s contributions in the areas of basic education, literacy, water sanitation and hygiene, describing them as aligned with the FCT administration’s priorities for rural development.

The UBEB chairman urged other organisations and civic groups within the territory and across the country to emulate the Rotary Club‘s philanthropic efforts.

Also speaking, the North Central District Governor of Rotary, Joy Okoro, described the three-in-one project donated to the Damangaza community as one of the most impactful interventions undertaken by the club in Abuja.

According to her, the facilities would significantly improve the welfare of students and enhance sanitation standards within the school and the surrounding community.

In his remarks, Oramah said the projects reflected Rotary’s commitment to promoting basic education, literacy, improved sanitation and disease prevention.

“Today is not just about commissioning buildings and desks. It is about dignity, opportunity and the future of our children,” he said.

He explained that the intervention included the construction of a six-unit toilet facility at the junior secondary school, the renovation of a four-unit facility at the primary school, and the provision of two-in-one classroom desks for students.

According to him, access to safe sanitation and a conducive learning environment is essential to improving school attendance, boosting student confidence and enhancing academic performance.

“Education and sanitation are powerful foundations for community development. When children learn in a clean and supportive environment, attendance improves, confidence grows and performance rises,” Oramah said.

He added that the initiative reflects Rotary’s guiding principle of service above self, which he said the organisation remains committed to upholding.