The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), through its corporate social responsibility arm, the PENGASSAN Foundation, has renovated and equipped the LEA Primary School in Tukuruwa, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
As part of the intervention, the union also donated 200 school bags and 800 notebooks to pupils, many of whom had previously received lessons under harsh conditions, often in the open.
The renovated facility was officially handed over to the Executive Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Danladi Chiya, at a brief ceremony attended by community leaders, education stakeholders, union officials and residents.
PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, said the project was driven by the Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of vulnerable Nigerians, particularly children in underserved communities.
“The PENGASSAN Foundation was established 24 months ago with a mandate to make meaningful impact in areas such as healthcare and education. We believe in investing in the next generation. These children are tomorrow’s senators, governors and leaders,” he said.
The renovation included reconstruction of the school roof, painting of classroom blocks, provision of 200 classroom chairs, refurbishment of toilet facilities, rehabilitation of the borehole for water supply and equipping of the staff room.
Osifo noted that the initiative was also aimed at complementing government efforts, especially in rural communities often overlooked in development planning.
In his remarks, Hon. Chiya commended PENGASSAN for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful. He also announced that the Area Council would grade the access road leading to the school to ease movement for pupils and staff.
The Etsu of Kwali, His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, who was present at the event, said the project had brought renewed hope to the community amid broader challenges such as insecurity and infrastructural deficits.
Chairman of the PENGASSAN Foundation and National Treasurer of the union, Comrade David Owan, disclosed that the project was completed within three weeks, noting that funding came directly from members of the union in a fully transparent process.
“We wanted to act swiftly and show that with the right intent and commitment, even modest resources can yield significant change,” he said.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Foundation and Chairperson of the PENGASSAN Women Commission, Dr. Maryann Ada Mbanaso, said the Foundation plans to extend similar interventions to other rural communities, with the goal of improving educational access and conditions for disadvantaged children.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to social responsibility beyond union activities in the oil and gas sector. We are focused on driving development and uplifting vulnerable communities across Nigeria,” she said.
