From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
In order to complement the efforts of the Edo State Government, the children of late Eunice Gordon Osagiede, have launched free transport services for school children and the elderly in the state.
The project, named Eunice Gordon-Osagiede School Shuttle (EGOSS), according to the chairman, free-EGOSS, Pastor Monday Igbinigie, said during her last birthday, the late Eunice expressed her desire to give to the Edo child-free transportation to and from school and the elderly.
He said this led to the establishment of the free Eunice Gordon-Osagiede School Shuttle (EGOSS).
Pastor Igbinigie said that before she died modalities had been put in place to launch the scheme in April.
Igbinigie said in fulfilment of her desire for the Edo child and the elderly, they have decided to fast track the flag off of the programme to celebrate her birthday.
‘What she stands for and what she believes in. She believes in the downtrodden, she believes that nobody, irrespective of your tribes or positions, should suffer.
‘So, what you are seeing today, is her pet project, we call it Eunice Gordon-Osagiede School Shuttle (EGOSS). Is free bus, free ride for all students, primary and secondary and the only condition is that you be in uniform and as soon as you are in uniform and you are plying and your school falls within the route that we are plying in Benin City, we will take you there free of charge.
‘The bishop now, bishop Godwin Osagiede decided to add to it and instead of school children, we are now adding the elderly. We feel that they should be supported, this is our own token in supporting them in getting to anywhere they want to go,’ he said.
He said the school children would be taught civic education while on the bus in order to restore the lost values in our society.
‘The initiator proposed 20 buses but for now, we have 10 buses. The 10 buses, they are going to be plying five routes as from on the 2 of February when the school will resume.
‘The routes are Sapele road, Upper Sokponba, Ikpoba Hill, Ugbowo and Ekewan road for a start and we will send about two buses each route.
‘While inside the buses, the children would be taught civic education. We will teach them the basics of Nigerian society and how to maintain good hygiene.
‘There will be television screens inside the buses to teach the children,’ he said.