African President of the NGO, Dr. Blessing Ogini, announced this during the foundation laying ceremony of the institute by the Deputy Head Mission, Embassy of Israel in Nigeria, Mr. George Deek and the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi in Port Harcourt at the weekend.
Dr. Ogini explained that the institute which will initially comprise Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools, is named after former Israeli Prime Minster, Mr. Yitzhak Rabin in view of his values and peace overtures which led to his assassination in 1995. Mr. Yuval Rabin, first son of the late Prime Minister was present at the ceremony.
He also explained that the school has been designed to international standards to curtail the desire of Nigerian parents to send   their children abroad in search of quality education, in addition to creating a greater impact on Nigeria-Israel relationship and cultural values.
Also speaking, Mr. Deek, the Deputy Head of Mission said he did not just come to lay a foundation stone, but to make a statement that Nigeria could and must provide high quality education for its young generation, right here in Nigeria, most especially in Port Harcourt, adding, “we are here to state what you will make here, what Nigeria will make with education, will decide nothing less than the future of this country”.
Mr. Deek noted that in this constantly changing world, Nigeria needs creativity and an innovative spirit to build new institutions and new companies that will create new jobs and boost the economy.
He said: “we need every single student to develop his talents and his skills and his intellect so they can increase the level of human resources and help us solve our most difficult problems. If we don’t do that, we are sentenced to face greater problems with lesser solutions”.
He commended the Yitzhak Rabin Center, particularly its President, Dr. Ogini for being a committed friend of the Embassy and Israel and “for taking this initiative and putting upon his shoulders such immense responsibilities of educating the next generations of Nigerians in Nigeria”. He also commended Governor Rotimi Amaechi for endorsing the establishment of the school and personally joining in laying the foundation stone.
The school, according to its founders is expected to commence academic activities before the end of 2012.
Tony Obiechina,
Media Officer
Embassy of Israel, Abuja (08036218895)
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