A philanthropist and leading player in the transport sector, Chief Godwin Okeke has donated five classroom blocks to ArchBishop Onyemelukwe Grammar School in Oroma-Etiti, Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Okeke also pledged ₦100 million for scholarships and educational development in Anam communities, to be disbursed at ₦20 million per year for the next five years.
Speaking during the commissioning of five classroom blocks, Okeke regretted that many schools in the area still lacked basic facilities such as classrooms, desks, laboratories and toilets, forcing students to learn in overcrowded and unsafe conditions.
He underscored his commitment to promoting secondary education in disadvantaged areas, calling for joint efforts by the government, the private sector, and community stakeholders to address decaying school infrastructure across communities in the State.
According to him, the rural community was deliberately selected to provide students with quality education in a conducive environment so as to drive development to the grassroots.
Okeke, Chairman of GUO Transport, also disclosed plans to establish an agrarian community store to preserve farm produce, boost agricultural revenue, and reduce food waste in the area.
He said, “The classroom donation was driven by my resolve to draw stakeholders’ attention to the educational needs and to inspire collection action towards improving access to quality education.
“The model represents a vision for improved secondary education infrastructure and serves as a practical demonstration of what can be achieved through collective support.
“The focus this year is on improving access to quality secondary education in Oroma Etiti as well as transforming Anam from hub of farm produce to an agro-processing zone by establishing an industry to absorb the teeming youths.
“I appeal to successful indigenes and corporate organizations to adopt schools in the area through donations, renovations, and scholarship programs. Investment in human capital must go beyond rhetoric to deliberate action.”
Performing the foundation-laying ceremony for a new All Saints Anglican Church building, Okeke, who solicited the support of indigenes at home and in the diaspora, expressed confidence that with collective commitment, the vision for the new edifice would be realized within the projected timeline.
He specifically thanked CEO, Dozzy Oil, Chief Daniel Chukwudozie, for donating ₦50 million towards the church project which he said represents more than a place of worship, but a lasting legacy that will serve generations to come and unite the community in faith and development.
In his sermon, Bishop of Niger East, Rt. Rev. Obiora Uzochukwu described the gesture as service to humanity, urging others to emulate him.
“Alleviating people’s sufferings is a practical way of spreading the gospel. People should learn to contribute their quota in service to humanity regardless of status,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, Igwe of Ivite-Anam Kingdom, Sunday Ozoemena commended Okeke for his intervention, saying the gesture would not only ease the burden on schools but improve learning conditions and inspire other indigenes to invest in community development.
Son of the philanthropist, Dr Chukwuemeka Okeke assured that assured that he and his siblings would uphold their parents’ legacy and sustain support for humanity and community development.
The event, which also featured the ceremonial planting of a birthday tree in honor of the philanthropist, attracted dignitaries and locals, teachers, students and community leaders who offered prayers for the church project, the donor’s long life and peace in the area.
The newly commissioned blocks, including fully furnished classrooms, staff offices, and sanitary facilities, were built to modern standards with adequate ventilation and lighting.
