Nimba County – The Assistant to Vice President Jeremiah Koung, Edwin G. Korden, has broken ground for the construction of a four-classroom annex at Dulay Tokpah Wonta Elementary School in the Gehlay-Geh Education District, Zor Chiefdom, District #3, Nimba County.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Korden called the project “giving back to the community that made us’’.
He highlighted Zor Chiefdom residents’ consistent support for Vice President Koung and the ruling Unity Party, adding, “We want to show we’re not ungrateful.”
Mr. Korden pledged to oversee construction to completion. The annex will ease overcrowding, where the school currently crams two classes into one room and operates with just three classrooms total.
Mr. Korden urged sons and daughters of Zor Chiefdom to return home and contribute to district-wide development.
Prince Menkalo Gbieu, chief of staff in the Office of the Vice President, welcomed the initiative and pledged 100 bags of cement, vowing, “I’ll stay with the team until it’s done.”
Nimba County Education Officer Francis G. Legay promised Ministry of Education support and assigned the Gehlay-Geh District Education Officer to oversee the site until handover.
He warned against individuals buying materials separately from contractors, calling instead for joint efforts.
District Number 3 Representative, Nehker E. Gaye, pledged all zinc roofing sheets and ongoing development projects. School Principal Allington G. Yeeplah described the gesture as a “great relief” for the 170 plus students served by only three government-paid teachers the “future leaders” facing daily challenges.
Local leaders emphasized collaboration, trust and appreciation for supporters. The project fulfills radio promises from the 2020–2025 Eections, where residents backed their representatives.
Organizers consulted locals first, shifting focus to include kindergarten (A, B, C, K1, K2), combined first/second grades, and sixth grade after requests from advocates like Joe and Roger.
The annex will unite children from private and government schools.
Leaders stressed collective action: “All local things regardless of background – you’re from this town. Let’s build together.” The timeline is flexible: six months with secured materials or one year if needed.
To prevent theft, they called for unity: ‘‘Put our hands together for a shared future.” Shout-outs went to key allies, including the Honorable Chief of Staff, the FOG Chairman for Zor and the head chief who responded instantly to calls for politics, meetings in Dulay Town and urgent tasks.
In thanks, Mr. Korden, organizer donated two motorbikes-one to the chief of the traditional people in District Number 3 and head of the Friends of Jeremiah Koung group and one to the FOJ Chairman for easier mobility in Zor Chiefdom.
