A transport company, Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited, has donated a block of classrooms and other Corporate Social Responsibility projects to the tune of $2m at Amuwo-Odofin Junior High School, Mile 2, Lagos.
Other projects executed by the firm and inaugurated on Tuesday included; an access road with a drainage system, a borehole and a water treatment plant and a furnished gatehouse at the Mile 2 School Complex.
Other included 1,000 dual desks and chairs as well as chairs and desks for teachers in the six schools within the school complex, palliative roof repair of Amuwo-Odofin Junior and Senior High School and Imoye High School.
PTML, whose parent company, Grimaldi Group, was founded in 1947 and specialised in the maritime transport of cars, rolling stock, containers and passengers, also donated a 50 KVA transformer.
Speaking during the unveiling of the projects, the Managing Director of the PTML, Ascanio Rosso, noted that the firm would continue to engage in CSR that would be impactful to its immediate environment.
He added that the company was conscious of the security of the children, a reason it also built two well-equipped security gatehouses.
He said, “It is with great pride and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as we mark the culmination of several impactful projects undertaken by PTML at the Mile 2 School Complex, located just adjacent to our terminal. This proximity has not only reinforced our commitment but also our capability to contribute significantly and sustainably to our neighbourhood.
“As an integral part of the esteemed Grimaldi Group, PTML is deeply committed to social responsibility, with a particular focus on education and environmental stewardship. These commitments are pivotal to our corporate ethos and are evident in the extensive investments we have made here at Mile 2. The substantial improvements we have achieved in terms of infrastructure, accessibility, and security underscore our dedication to creating a positive impact on both the community and the environment.
“Security, a paramount concern, was addressed by constructing two well-equipped security gatehouses, ensuring a safe educational setting.
Beyond infrastructure, PTML has been a fervent supporter of cultural and educational activities. For over five years, we have sponsored inter-house sports activities, and for the last two years we have celebrated the dedication of our teachers during the World Teachers/Award Day.”
Responding, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun who appreciated the donating company for their gesture, noted that collaborations like this could move the country forward faster.
The commissioner further said the donation had changed the face of the Mile 2 community and added immeasurable value to education in the state.
He further stated that the state would not only take ownership but would maintain the facilities, to ensure that they serve the purpose of learning and add value to the community and the state.
He, however, threatened great sanction against any teacher who refused to allow pupils to go home after the official closing hour under the guise of any form of private lessons.
Alli-Balogun, who frowned at the practice, emphasised that keeping children in school more than necessary, often “killed” moments meant for children’s extracurricular activities.
He told the teachers to “do your job at the right time between 8am-2pm, leave the extra hour either for reading or extracurricular activities. We would no longer condone using that time for fee-paying extra lessons in our schools, education is free in Lagos State and nobody should be charging any fee for anything.”
