Kogiflame
A particular Church in Kogi state situated in Lokoja name witheld has allegedly allowed construction of a hotel in the premises of Crowther Memorial College Lokoja.
Stakeholders in educational sector has called on the state Governor to look into the issue and order the stoppage of the construction.
Our correspondent reliably gathered that a powerful civil servant in the state is behind the illegal construction of the hotel in the premises of the College.
This has prompted old students association of the College calling on the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo to as a matter of urgency rescue the college from total collapse.
They also appealed to the Governor to extend his developmental strides in education to the college.
At a press briefing held on Tuesday by the old students of the college as part of their activities slated for one week 2025 mega reunion and Annual General Meeting (AGM), National President of the association Dr Abayomi Dare, said that the call to rescue Crowder Memorial College become necessary considering the way and manner the school premises has been balkanized with illegal structures that does not conform with educational system.
He said the alumni of Crowther Memorial College, stand united in their appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to support them in saving their beloved institution from the threat of balkanization posed by the Anglican Diocese of Lokoja.
They alleged that the church has continue to deface and balkanization of the structures of the college, saying that stakeholders must come together school from going into extinction.
He noted that the most worrisome is the conversion of the Assembly hall, the Principal quarters and a section of the compound into Church, printing press and a private school respectively.
According to him a situation where students are in their classes and an ambulance conveying dead bodies to the church in the name of burial services is morally wrong and unhealthy for the children.
“This reunion is not only a celebration of our past achievements but also a critical opportunity for us to address some pressing concerns. We, the alumni of Crowther Memorial College, stand united in our appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to support us in saving our beloved institution from the threat of balkanization posed by the Anglican Diocese of Lokoja.
“The recent developments concerning the division of the school are deeply concerning. Our Alma Mater, built on decades of tradition and excellence, stands at a crossroad, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure it does not lose its identity or the legacy of its founding principles.
“Imagine, no more hostels, a private school, other illegal structures have emerged within the premises of the college. The principal and staff quarters have been converted to private printing press and no more playing ground for students and all these must be addressed.
“We urge all stakeholders to come together and work towards a resolution that preserves the integrity of Crowther Memorial College and secures its future for generations to come.
“This reunion is not just a celebration; it is a call to action. It is an opportunity for all of us to stand in solidarity, reflect on our shared history, and invest in a brighter future for Crowther Memorial College”.
Speaking on the activities of the 2025 mega reunion, the National President of the association said “the event will commence from 22nd to 24th of 2025, there will be health walk, launching of the education endowment fund, handling over of the rehabilitated administrative building and visits to key dignitaries to the Governor of the state, Maigari Lokoja among others”