Chinedum Treasure
It was jubilation galore in three different schools in Ebenebe and Obaofemili communities in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra state following the renovation of classroom block and empowerment of pupils and students by a philanthropist, Hon. Oliver Okennah.
Okennah, a Nigerian-Canadian citizen re-roofed one of the classrooms at the Central Primary School, Ebenebe, while he donated two Apple Palmtops to two outstanding students and several packets of ballpoint pens to students of his alma mater, Community Secondary School (CSSE).
He also informed the students of his intention to subscribe data for them for optimum use of the tablets, which he said contained electronic books and other resources useful for effective teaching and learning, research and development.
At the Uwana Primary School (UPS) Ebenebe whose whiteboards needed urgent replacements, Okennah promised to replace all the boards, including renovation of their dilapidated toilet and other infrastructural projects.
Explaining the reasons behind the generosity in a chat with newsmen during the visits in company of members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by Comrade Emeka Odogwu, Okennah, said the gesture was informed by his passion for education and his readiness to better the lots of the pupils.
The philanthropist, who also won the NUJ 2024 Anambra State most innovative entrepreneur of the year award, said the visits were in the spirit of think-home philosophy of the state government.
He said, “I was moved to tears while driving through Awba-Ofemili few years back and noticed that several classroom blocks at the Central Primary School (CPE) had dilapidated.
“I was deeply pained because one of the affected school’s buildings and classrooms belonged to the pupils in the nursery section.
“I walked through the school premises, inspecting all the buildings and surrounding environments. I came as an ordinary visitor; so I don’t think anyone noticed me.
“I did not speak to the teachers. But I saw them, and pupils were learning in the dilapidated classrooms.
“On inquiry, I was told that the pupils were usually moved to another classroom occupied by their seniors whenever there is heavy downpour.
“To stop exposing the children to such unhealthy environment, I quickly mobilise the school management with the necessary building materials and other resources needed for re-roofing, bricks works, mason, among others.”
Okennah, popularly called Dikemba Ebenebe who also extended the benevolence to Ezi-Icheke primary school, Awba-Ofemili, pledged to do more to improve the learning condition of the pupils and students in Anambra State and beyond.
He said, “It’s always joy and fun for me anytime I visit home. I spend time visiting schools within the neighborhood.
“One of the things that inspire me is my love and passion for education. Besides, as someone born and raised in the community, I’ll always like to give back to my people and to see the joy in them.
“I’ll always like to see them succeed like every other child across the world. As one with children outside the country, when I compare my children with those here, it pains me, and I feel I can contribute to better their conditions.
“I also thank the governor who has given hope to the people, including the quality roads he has built for us.
“We pray others will key into what we’re doing. Government alone can’t develop a society. Any child that is changed is a hope for the future.”
President General of the community, Hon. Chinedu Moubene, who was visibly excited over the developments, described Okennah as a true ambassador of community and humanitarian without boundary, urging him not to relent.
General Manager of the Central Primary School, Rev. Samuel Asaa and Head-Teacher, Mrs Adaugo Chidimma described the benefactor as their saviour, assuring optimum utilisation of the facility for effective and improved teaching and learning.
The tablets were given to two students,
Master Chukwuka Great Chukwuka of SSS1 and Miss Eziechine Mercy of JSS2 who emerged best in an impromptu quiz competition conducted by the NUJ leadership among six best students of the school.
Responding, Vice Principal (Admin), CSSE, Mrs Miriam Okafor appreciated the benefactor for the gifts, which she said would inspire them to double efforts in their academics and other endeavours.
NUJ State Chairman, Dr Odogwu commended Okennah for the various developmental projects embarked on across Awka North Council Area and urged him to sustain the tempo.
“NUJ did not chose you as the most innovative entrepreneur in 2024 for nothing. You have proven to be a true son of Awka North, great ambassador of Anambra State and Nigeria generally.
“I’m charging the teachers, parents and communities to guide these infrastructural projects jealously. To students, I want you to know that there is time for everything. Kindly avoid seeking sweet things for now. You must be studious, work hard and sky will be your starting points tomorrow.
“If you want to further your education, kindly lay the good foundation now by studying to show yourself approved. If you want to go into business, apprentice or skilled work, plan it now. Don’t waste time.
“If you do it well, you will be celebrated tomorrow as a distinguished professional. If you don’t do it well, you may fail, and start getting jealous of those who have excelled,” he stated.
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