CSR PROJECT: Rex Forestry Renovates Storm-Damaged School in Ondo, Restores Learning for Students

 CSR PROJECT: Rex Forestry Renovates Storm-Damaged School in Ondo, Restores Learning for  Students  

As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, a private firm, Rex Forestry Limited has handed over a fully renovated classroom and administrative block at the Comprehensive Secondary School, Leege–Imorun, Odigbo LGA, Ondo State, restoring the only secondary education facility serving over 15 rural communities.

The intervention, executed under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, comes after a violent windstorm in 2025 severely damaged classrooms, offices, library, and science laboratory, forcing learning activities to a halt.

The rehabilitation works covered reconstruction and re-roofing of damaged classrooms and offices, refurbishment of the library and science lab, provision of desks and learning infrastructure, and painting to create a safe, conducive environment.

Available records state that the school serves over 120 students from Leege, Modebiayo, Mokore, Lisagbede, Imorun, Bakare, Bature, Ilutitun, Masole, Boloronduro, Aiyetinbo, Kangidi, Gmelina Camp, Makinde, Karaole, Ogulenpa, and other surrounding communities. It remains the only secondary school within the wide rural catchment, providing access to formal education and national examinations.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director, Rex Forestry, Vincent Servais said the project reflects a long-standing relationship with host communities. “The school and communities have stood with us in our journey, and it was only right that we stand with them in their time of need,” he said.

The company adopted a community-centred approach, engaging four local contractors and using local labour to ensure direct economic benefits. Traditional and religious leaders, including representatives of the Oloja of Imorun, participated in the entire process.

The structures were officially inaugurated by the Ondo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuroz while the official handover was witnessed by officials from Ondo State Teaching Service Commission ( TESCOM ) and other government representatives.

The Commissioner commended Rex Forestry for its range of CSR initiatives across host communities, including road development, solar lighting, borehole construction, and education support, and urged the company to expand its impact.

Rex Forestry said the project aligns with Ondo State Government development priorities under its August 2021 concession agreement. The company focuses CSR support on government-owned schools within its operational areas to complement public education systems.

The Imorun school renovation is part of Rex Forestry’s structured CSR framework covering education support, community infrastructure, environmental awareness, youth empowerment, and skills development, in line with international Environmental, Social and Governance principles.