It was pomp and ceremony in Ikoha community, Ovia-South West Local government area of Edo state as the community gathered to witness the foundation laying ceremony of the Oba Akenzua II primary school by the AgriPalm Limited.
In his speech at the ceremony which was attended by the Ag. Chairman/Head of Service, Ovia-south West Local government area, Enogie of Siluko Dukedom HRH Aguobasinmwi Omoregie Akenzua, Odionwere/Elders in-Council as well as youths of the community, the General Manager of AgriPalm limited who was represented by the Farm Manager, Herman Smith said upon taken over the land lease possession from A&Hatman in 2013, and the subsequent planting of seedlings at the Sule Camp area, some Yorubas settlers predominantly cocoa farmers were found in the area.
Smith stated that following the demise of the then Enogie, Prince Omoregie Akenzua and the then Baale, Alhaji Sule who had earlier led relocation of the farmers to Ohosu Forest Reserve, some of the Yoruba farmers seized the opportunity to stay back and created some issues.
According to him, a petition was put up by the farmers and forwarded to the palace of the Benin monarch who set up a panel of palace chiefs headed by a Chief Olaye of Benin to investigate the matter.
He said upon due investigation, the panel among other resolutions requested the AgriPalm to develop the area North of the Pipeline as staff quarters and rebuild the demolished Oba Akenzua II Primary School.
Smith maintained that in compliance with the monarch’s directive, the AgriPalm limited deemed it necessary to commence the project with the foundation laying ceremony of the school as well as quarters for staff.
He said the project which was expected to be completed within four months, will not only open for children of the company staff but also to the children of neighbouring communities and settlement.
The Acting Chairman/Head of Service, Ovia-south West Local government area, Dr. Agbon Iseh said the local council was proud to have such project cited in the area, adding that the project when completed will have positive educational impact on the lives of the people of the community, particularly the youths.
Represented by the Barr. Justice Otabor, Iseh therefore assured of the council’s readiness to partner AgriPalm limited towards transforming the fortune of the people of Ikoha community.
The Enogie of Siluko Dukedom, HRH Aguobasinmwin Omoregie Akenzua said in order for the school which bears the monumental name of Oba Akenzua II not to be completely extinguished propelled the rebuilding of the school and promised his cooperation and full protection of the project.
