By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups encroaching on school lands across the state, declaring that the government will no longer tolerate the illegal occupation of educational property.
Dr. Ogugua gave the warning during a courtesy visit to his office by a delegation from Central School, Ebenebe, led by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Mbonu.
The commissioner described the increasing encroachment on school lands as a serious challenge that threatens the growth and development of education in the state. He assured the delegation that the Ministry of Education would work closely with the Office of the Attorney-General to recover affected school properties and implement lasting measures to prevent further encroachment.
According to him, the state government remains committed to safeguarding educational assets and ensuring that lands designated for schools are protected for the benefit of present and future generations.
“The state government is determined to protect all educational assets and will take decisive action against any form of encroachment on school property,” Dr. Ogugua stated.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Mbonu congratulated the commissioner on his appointment and appealed for urgent government intervention in the longstanding encroachment on the land belonging to Central School, Ebenebe.
He explained that some kindreds in the community had continued to occupy portions of the school’s land over the years, despite several efforts to resolve the issue. According to him, the situation has negatively affected both academic and extracurricular activities within the school.
The cleric expressed confidence that the intervention of the Ministry of Education would help restore the school’s land and provide a lasting solution to the dispute.
Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
