The Principal of Federal Government Girls College Kabba in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Mrs. Bolu Jaiyeola has announced the renaming of the College Green House After the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni.
Twenty five years after the establishment of the Girl Child College, the Ijumu Kingdom which played a key role in the Establishment of the School is being recognized.
The honour which has been described by some stakeholders in Ijumu as long overdue although not very many people knew how the college was established in Kabba.
Former Military Governor, Paul Omeruo had announced that the Federal Government Girls’ College will be sited at Felele in Lokoja, the present capital of Kogi state.
During a meeting of the Ijumu Development Movement IDM at country home of General David Jemibewon (Retired) at Iyah Gbedde who was the National President with Dr Duro Oniemola as the National Secretary-General, the issue was discussed extensively at the expanded EXCO meeting.
Under the AOB, the issue of locating Federal Government Girls’ College in Felele Lokoja was extensively discussed and suggestions made for it to be sited in Okun land since Kogi Polytechnic was already located in Felele Lokoja.
According to Mr. O. J Dare, who attended the meeting, Gen Jemibewon asked if that was that what all they wanted and the gathering accepted that the former Kabba Teachers’ College/ Science school compound be used since the College has enough facilities for its take off.
On his way back to Abuja, the General Jemibewon made a stop over at Lokoja to see the then military Administrator Col Paul Omeruo on d issue. By the following week, the new Federal Government Girls’ college approved for Kogi state by Federal Government was relocated to Kabba courtesy of Gen David Jemibewon the then National President’s stop over at Government House Lokoja
25 years down the line, the management of the College has deemed it right to honour Ijumu Kingdom which as been described by many as a step in the right direction.
The Principal of the School, Mrs. Bolu Jaiyeola said the Olujumu was rewarded in view of his contributions to the College, Ijumu Kingdom, Okun land, Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole.
Responding, the Ijumu Paramount Ruler, HRM Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni expressed appreciation to the college for the honour done him and the people of Ijumu Kingdom.
“On behalf of Ijumu Local Government Traditional Council and the people of Ijumu Kingdom, we appreciate the honour done us by this noble institution by naming one of the Green House after my humble stool.” He stated
The Traditional Ruler explained that “25 years in life of an individual or institution is not negligible, hence I joyfully identify with you as you roll out the drums to celebrate. This we see as a mark of recognition to the Ijumu people and is not taken for granted.”
He pointed out that “I’m proud to state that some young ladies that have graduated from the College are in various prestigious positions, contributing immensely to the development of this nation. For this and many other reasons, I commend the College for fulfilling the purpose of its establishment by the federal government. I also wish to commend other noticeable efforts of the present and past principals as well as staff of the College for living up to expectation by promoting academic excellence, good morals and discipline in which I encourage you to sustain the tempo.”
“I urge you not to relent your efforts in sustaining the continuous growth and development of the College. This will surely enable you to leave indelible marks that will stand the test of time.” The Olujumu added.