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•Donates classrooms, N100m to boost education in Anambra
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Founder, GUO Transport, Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke, has called on governments, corporate organisations, and community stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the deteriorating state of infrastructure in secondary schools across Anambra State.
Okeke made the appeal at the recent commissioning of five newly constructed classroom blocks at Archbishop Onyemelukwe Grammar School, Oroma-Etiti, Anam, in Anambra West Local Government Area.
The project was unveiled as part of activities marking his 77th birthday and the 72nd birthday of his wife.
The new facilities, which include fully furnished classrooms, staff offices, and modern sanitation units, were built to provide a conducive learning environment for students and teachers.
Speaking at the event, the transport entrepreneur described education as a critical foundation for sustainable development, stressing that tackling the challenges facing the sector requires a collective effort.
He said many schools in Anambra communities still lack essential facilities such as classrooms, desks, laboratories, and toilets, forcing students to learn under overcrowded and often unsafe conditions.
In line with this vision, Chief Okeke announced plans to transform the community from a hub of farm produce into an agro processing zone, creating opportunities for local youths.
A leading figure in the transport sector, he noted that his donation was aimed at drawing attention to the educational needs of the community and inspiring collective action towards improving access to quality education.
“Our goal is to promote human capital development in Anambra through deliberate investment in education. Government and communities cannot do it alone. Stakeholders must also contribute their quota. With a shared vision, we can transform our schools and secure a better future for our children.
“The model represents a vision for improved secondary education infrastructure and demonstrates what can be achieved through collective support,” he said. “This year, our focus is on enhancing access to quality secondary education in Oroma Etiti. I invite stakeholders to join us in expanding educational opportunities for future generations,” he stated.
Okeke urged successful indigenes and corporate bodies to adopt schools through infrastructure support, renovation projects, and scholarship schemes. He emphasised that investment in education should move beyond rhetoric to concrete action capable of improving learning outcomes and community development.
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As part of his commitment to education, the philanthropist announced a ₦100 million scholarship fund for students from Anam. The fund will be disbursed in annual installments of ₦20 million.
He also expressed his desire to see Anam evolve from a community known primarily for agricultural production to one engaged in both production and processing, thereby creating greater economic opportunities for residents.
He explained that Oroma Etiti Anam was deliberately chosen to provide students with quality education in a conducive environment, with the aim of driving grassroots development.
During the occasion, Okeke also performed the foundation-laying ceremony for a new All Saints Anglican Church building and called on community members at home and in the diaspora to support the project.
He described the proposed church as more than a place of worship, noting that it would serve as a lasting legacy that promotes faith, unity, and development within the community.
Okeke urged successful indigenes and corporate bodies to adopt schools through infrastructure support, renovation projects, and scholarship schemes.
He emphasised that investment in education should move beyond rhetoric to concrete action capable of improving learning outcomes and community development.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Niger East Diocese, Rt. Rev. Obiora Uzochukwu, praised Okeke and his wife for their commitment to humanitarian service. He described their lives as testimonies of generosity and urged others to emulate their example by supporting the less privileged and contributing to community development.
“Helping to alleviate the suffering of others is a practical way of spreading the gospel. Everyone should strive to serve humanity regardless of status,” the bishop said.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Ivite-Anam Kingdom, Igwe Sunday Ozoemena, commended Okeke for the intervention, noting that the project would improve learning conditions and inspire more investments in community development.
On behalf of the family, Chukwuemeka Okeke assured attendees that the children of the philanthropist would continue to uphold their parents’ legacy of service and support for humanity.
The event featured the ceremonial planting of a birthday tree in honour of the philanthropist and attracted traditional rulers, teachers, students, community leaders, and other dignitaries from across the area.
