Former NIPP chief donates bread factory worth 30m to AIFCE

Former Deputy Project Manager, National Integrated Power Project, NIPP, Engr. Ben Ukwuoma has donated a bakery worth Thirty Million Naira to the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri, AIFCE.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the stone laying ceremony of the project, Ukwuoma, also the Managing Director, Constructed Facilities Technology Limited, said the gesture was part of his company’s social responsibility to the institution.

He stated that his company has worked for AIFCE for over ten years and felt the need to reciprocate with the construction and donation of the project in order to sustain the healthy relationship existing between his company and the college.

He said, “we started working for Alvan about 10 years ago or more. I have done a lot of buildings for them and also offered advisory roles to them.
“As a reputable company, we find ways of partnering with our clients to boost our business and relationship. Hence, as part of our social responsibility, we also contribute to where we are working.

“For instance, here in Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, we sponsor their football team and also, right now we are building a bakery for them which is the brain childhood of the current Provost, Dr. Mrs. Stella Lemchi.

“She said it is her dream to have a bakery here and we decided to partner with her to realise it. So we have commenced the building of the bakery which we are going to do totally on our cost.

“Today, we have performed the stone laying ceremony and gradually, we hope to complete the project in due time. The project will cost about 30 million naira when completed.”

“It is important that organisations should have corporate culture which we have. When organisations have corporate culture, they will want to give back to their clients or society. Business is not all about profits. You have to also try to have a very healthy environment, good and a sustainable relationship with host communities or clients.” he added.

Speaking, the AIFCE Provost, Dr. Lemchi applauded Ukwuoma for his humanitarian gesture and commitment to the overall growth and development of the College.

She described her one year in office as the Provost of the institution as one driven by passion and commitment to achieving excellence in education, innovation and quality service delivery.

She said, “when l assumed the position of Provost in July 2022, I pledged to reposition and re-strengthen our College. Through collaborative efforts, dedication, and resilience, we have embarked on a journey to restore Alvan as the primus inter pares, a Centre of Excellence in teaching, learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community service.

“The past year has been transformative, witnessing remarkable changes and achievements that resonate with our shared commitment to progress.

“We have expanded intrastructure, elevated service delivery, and rejuvenated the spirit of research and development within our academic community.

“We have also improved the morale of staff and students, engaged with the college community and our host communities and restored the confidence of all those connected with the College.”

“The restoration of our university status stands as a testament to our dedication to growth and advancement. This milestone is a collective achievement, made possible by the synergy between our administration and the government of Imo State.” she added.