HRH, Igwe G. N. Obiora, Ọnọnaenyị, Ezeịdegwu 111, Igwe Achịna.
In recent time any passer-by at Community Secondary School Achina, Aguata Local Government Area; an aged long secondary school owned by Anambra state government will be curious to know what gave the school a new face-look.
In the past eight years, CSS Achina was known to be in deplorable state; infrastructure dacay and poor academic standard that led to exodus of students.
There is this Igbo adage that when an animal experiences feelings of scratching, it will go to any positioned object or Tree to get satisfaction, but if it scratches human beings, he will seek help from his fellow human beings.
It was on the above premise that Mrs. Evelyn Okoli, Nee Eboniñe when she was employed to oversee the affairs of the school as the Principal, she rallied around Ndi-Achina, they answer and responded hugely.
Expressing views with Summitnews on her one year in the school; her achievements and the immediate challenges facing the school, the Principal said “through God’s wish, I Mrs. Evelyn Okoli (Nee Eboniñe), an illustrious daughter of Achina “Ada Achina Tịrị Ego Nâ Bank” was posted as the Principal of the schools”.
“When I got the appointment, I received it with mix feeling; first, I felt honoured by the Almighty God, because am the first old girl to be the Principal of school. Second, I was elated that am the first indigene of Achina to be the Principal of the school.
On my assumption on 26th April 2023 at the school, I was astonished and grossly disappointed with the level of decay in all departments of the school. Having pasted through the school during my secondary education, I met completely opposite the standard we left the institution. I took up the responsibility as a challenge, and determined to make a mark and also prove valid points”. She narrated
She attested that her ideas to put the school to it present state was made possible by the traditional ruler of Achina and Ndi-Achina.
“First, I have to express my profound gratitude and thanks to HRH G. N. Obiora, Ọnọnaenyị, Eze Idegwu 111, Ịgwe Achịna, whom I ran to on my assumption as the Principal of the school. In his wisdom he acknowledged my sentiments about the near dilapidation of virtually all the existing structures in the school that led to exodus of pupils in the school, and my zeal to remedy it.
“Eze Ịdegwu took it upon himself and attracted the sympathy of his subjects (Ndi-Achina Ịdegwu Egbevuruọkụ Asọghị Anwụrụ), they took the responsibilities to build some of the projects in this school”. she attested.
Mrs. Okoli extended her heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to individuals and groups from Achina that has made her wishes reality in CSS Achina.
“I profusely extend my heartfelt thanks to Hon. Anayo Emmanuel Okpalaeke, Member Representing Aguata 1 constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly. He promised that CSS Achina will returns to her former glories, which he is fulfilling the promise.
“I will not fail to recognize Dame Joyce Chinyere Mbakwe for her relentless efforts. Anytime we ran to her for one problem or the other, she listens to us and solve our request.
“My jumbo appreciation goes to Anyibuife Age Grade of Achina, they wiped out tears off my eyes.
They equipped the CSS Achina computer laboratory with modern ICT gadgets; presently CSS Achina computer lab is second to none in all secondary schools in Aguata LGA and beyond.
“Again, Achina youths organization, they are wonderful, they are building 4 flat bungalow Teachers’ quarters. The building is expected to be commissioned at the end of the year (2024), when they will be recognized and commissioned as an Age in Achina.
“I acknowledge and appreciate in special way our big brother, Nze, Engr. Cletus Ezenwa (Ezeobioha) who built the ultra modern main entrance gate of the CSS Achina in memory of our dear sister, late Justina Ezenwa. The main gate has given the school a modern looking.
I am hugely indept to my Achina brothers and sisters too numerous to mention; some of them preferred anonymous, they came to the aid of the school, the Almighty God will replenish the source of their income”. Mrs. Okoli complimented
Mrs Evelyn Okoli, having achieved giant stride with fast pace, needs steps further to attend the competitive heights in the comity of secondary school in Anambra state. She appealed, “Because existence is continuum, CSS Achina has taken off like an Aeroplane, all it needs now is to stabilize to cruise. And like Oliver Twist; we are requesting for. Until we get to our destination, we will not stop in our bid to establish legacies in our revered town Achina.
“The school science lab is in disorganized state, all the apparatus are obsolete. They need to be upgraded to be in-tune with modern scientific methods. The school Hostel and Assembly Hall are dilapidated; this has denied the school of Ministry of Education’s accreditation of some academic activities.
“On behalf of staff, students and the PTA of CSS Achina, I am appealing to government, groups and spirited individuals to come to the rescue and build Assembly hall, school hostels and equip our lab to enhance efficient and conducive learning environment. Together we can!” She concluded.