"Andoni council Boss, Hon. Prince Lucky Promise Otuo has officially flag off the renovation of six classroom block, with construction of toilet, library and borehole for primary school pupils in Polokiri community"

 

Polokiri community in Andoni Local Government Area witnessed a welcome sign of progress on Monday, September 22, 2025, when a delegation from the council arrived to inspect Polokiri Primary School ahead of a long-awaited renovation. After years of learning inside tired classrooms and watching promises come and go, the people finally saw action that could give their children a school they can be proud of.

The team, sent by Andoni LGA Chairman Hon. Lucky Promise Otuo, was led by Hon. Dr. Gogo Ogute Isaiah and a group of council engineers. They moved around the compound taking measurements and checking every classroom and staff room to plan the full upgrade. Officials said the renovation will include new classroom repairs, a proper staff office, the construction of modern toilets for both pupils and teachers, and the drilling of a borehole to provide steady clean water. Work is expected to begin immediately after the engineers submit their report so that the project can take off without delay.

The Chief of Polokiri, elders, women leaders and youths welcomed the team with excitement and pledged to give every needed support to make sure the work moves smoothly. Many parents and community members stood by watching as the engineers worked, smiling and whispering their hopes that the school will finally get the face-lift it deserves.

The visit did not come out of nowhere. Weeks earlier a grassroots advocacy group known as the CATALYST FOR CHANGE COALITION, CCC, had raised public alarm over the poor condition of the school. The group, which speaks for communities that are often ignored, called on government and well-meaning individuals to come to the aid of the pupils. When Hon. Dr. Gogo Ogute Isaiah heard the call, he picked it up and refused to let it die. He reached out to NGOs, the Niger Delta Development Commission, the Andoni LGA council, members of the House of Representatives and even the media to make sure the cry of Polokiri was heard. His effort quickly turned the school’s plight into a matter that could no longer be overlooked.

Through Dr. Isaiah’s push, a humanitarian NGO visited the school not long ago and surprised the children with school bags, uniforms, sandals and writing materials. That gesture gave the pupils and teachers a sense of hope that change was finally near. Monday’s official inspection by the Andoni council shows that the government is now fully involved and ready to back words with action.

Speaking to the crowd during the inspection, Polokiri Youth President Benson Etisa thanked the council chairman, the engineers and Hon. Dr. Gogo Ogute Isaiah for bringing government attention to the school. “This is a day of joy for every youth and child in Polokiri,” Benson said. “We thank our chairman for listening to our cry and we also thank Dr. Gogo Ogute Isaiah for carrying this matter until it reached the right ears. We will give our full support to make sure this project succeeds.” His short but heartfelt words captured the mood of the day and earned loud cheers from the youths standing around him.

Residents were quick to praise Hon. Lucky Promise Otuo for proving that leadership is about action. Even though the chairman could not be present in person, his decision to send a team of engineers and approve the project is already being described as a bold move that shows he places education high on his agenda. Parents who had long worried about the future of their children now believe the council is serious about giving Polokiri pupils a safe and well-equipped place to learn.

The renovation plan is expected to cover repairs on the classrooms, a new staff room, the construction of proper toilets where none currently exist, and a borehole that will supply clean water to both the school and the immediate neighborhood. According to the engineers, these facilities will not only improve learning but also protect the health of the children and teachers. Community leaders promised to provide manpower and local security during construction to ensure that materials and equipment are protected until completion.

For the people of Polokiri, the inspection marks the beginning of a new chapter. For years teachers struggled to keep lessons going inside buildings that needed attention while pupils made do with whatever was available. Monday’s visit showed that those difficult days are finally giving way to a brighter future. Parents spoke of the relief of knowing their children will soon study in an environment that respects their dignity and supports their dreams.

BigChiefVibes sees this development as more than just a government project. It is proof that when a community refuses to stay silent and leaders are willing to listen, real change can happen. Chairman Lucky Promise Otuo deserves respect for stepping in quickly and showing that he carries his people in his heart. Hon. Dr. Gogo Ogute Isaiah deserves credit for pushing until action followed talk. And the youths of Polokiri deserve applause for standing together and protecting their school while waiting for this breakthrough. This is the kind of grassroots victory that keeps hope alive across Andoni and beyond.

The story of Polokiri should inspire other communities to speak up about neglected schools, health centers and roads. Change may not come overnight, but the right noise can move even the toughest doors of government. Share this story, talk about it in your circles, and keep the conversation alive until every child in Rivers State has a safe and decent place to learn.

Have something to say about this development? Drop your thoughts in the comment section and share this update to keep the momentum alive.

Ekpu Code: “When the cry of the forgotten meets the heart of a willing leader, walls r

ise and hope returns.”