…..Aftermath Of Ghastly Auto Crash
Following the tragic event where four principals of the Delta State Public Schools were killed, and others survived on a ghastly motor accident, the state government yesterday released names of the dead principals, and the survivors.
The victims were said to have on their for a crucial meeting during the strike action embarked upon by the teachers in the state in Asaba, involved in a ghastly motor accident around Kwale community in the state after a burst of one of the tyres of 18-seater bus they were prevailing.
The accident left four of the principals dead on the spot while many survived on a head breath. But in a release signed the Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Judith Emeka Wemembu, a copy made available to our reporter, named the deceased principals as follows; Mrs. Katherine Okasia, Principal Ovade secondary School, Ovade in Oghara, Mrs. Agenes Erayom, Principal, Uduaka Secondary School, Mosogar, Mrs. Onome Ogbebor, Principal Oghareki Secondary School Oghareki, and Mrs. Victoria Emodi, Vice Principal Orefe Secondary School Ogharefe.
The statement also gave the names of survivors to include: Mrs. Vivian Ojie, Principal, Edjera Secondary School, Okono-Jesse, Mrs. Queen Omonede, Principal, Iderhe Secondary School, Jesse, Mrs. Felicia Ugbine, Principal Jesse Secondary School Jesse and Mrs. Florence Awhariado, Principal Ukavbe Secondary School, Otefe-Oghara, adding that other survivors of the accident which occurred last Friday March 24, 2017, were Mrs. Stella Egbuchinam, Principal Okumigho Secondary School, Okumigyho Jesse, Mrs. Theodorah Nwasei, Acting Principal Ugbenu Secondary School Ugbenu-Oghara; Mrs. Victoria Aigwi, Principal, Irhodo Secondary School, Irhodo-Jesse and Mrs. Clara Onoronu, Director, PPEB Zonal Office, Oghara.
The release added that government officials from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Post Primary Education Board (PPEB), led by the Commissioner, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, have been in Benin City to commiserate with the bereaved families and to monitor those who were recuperating in various hospitals.
“The visits were on the directive of the State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa who has been monitoring the recovery of those injured in the accident. The governor has pledged on behalf of the government to foot the medical bills of the principals in public hospitals.
“The follow up visit to the UBTH, two private hospitals and homes of survivors in Benin City afforded the commissioner the opportunity to have first-hand assessment of the well-being of the injured principals who were still recuperating in hospitals and those already discharged.
“The commissioner conveyed the condolences and prayers of the state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa on behalf of the government and people of Delta State. He enthused that posterity will remember the deceased principals for their commitment to their duties”, the statement added.
In their separate responses, the bereaved families and the families of those injured in the accident, expressed appreciation to the state governor and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education for their prompt response and support during this very trying time in their families; while acknowledging that the visit has lifted their spirits, just as they prayed for the continued success of the administration of Okowa in the state.
Ebie was accompanied on the visit by the 2nd and 3rd members on the PPEB, Mrs. Esere Atuma and Mrs. Christiana Etaluka, respectively; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Sir David Onokpe; Permanent Secretary, PPEB, Mrs. Lauretta Ugboma; the Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Dr. Godwin Edozie; ANCOPSS President, Comrade Brisibe Epipade-Mark and his Secretary, Chief Alex Oniovosa among others.