Follow Us on Google
A prominent Enugu indigene, Capt. Evarest Nnaji, has donated a hostel of 58 en-suite rooms to Godfrey Okoye University at its permanent site, Ugwuomu, Emene Nike, Enugu State.
The magnificent edifice, built and fully funded by the Odengene Foundation, was dedicated by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, on July 25, 2925.
Bishop Onaga lauded the gesture as a remarkable act of selfless service: “This is a sacrifice worthy of emulation. We pray that this hostel brings eternal joy to Captain Evarest Odengene in God’s kingdom, and that everyone—students and teachers—who passes through these rooms will be richly blessed.”
The facility which stands as one of the largest hostels in the university was aimed at easing accommodation challenges and enhancing learning conditions for students.
Founder of the Odengene Foundation and CEO of Odengene Air Shuttle (OAS), Nnaji, said the hostel was one of his ways of giving back to society and thanking God for His countless blessings: “I believe that I shouldn’t do it to be known. If I do this and get honoured, then I am no longer doing it for God but for myself. My joy is to touch lives quietly, to give back, and to support education in whatever way I can.”
Nnaji urged the students to make good use of the facility by focusing on their studies, announcing that the Foundation would continue to offer scholarships to deserving students in need: “Through the Foundation, we are ready to take up more projects in the school. We are here to help you achieve your goals in life.”
Other News
He also commended the engineers and construction team for what he described as “a quality job delivered in record time.”
Vice Chancellor of the University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, praised their benefactor for inspiring a new generation of givers through his quiet generosity.
“These students have now realised that it’s possible to do charity,” he said. “They will always remember that while they were students, a man built a hostel for them. What is outstanding is that you do this without noise, even those on your scholarship scheme—people who had lost hope of acquiring a university education—are beneficiaries of your kindness.”
He noted that the project would not only solve immediate accommodation challenges but remain a lasting testament to the power of private support for education.
As the ribbon was cut and prayers offered, the new hostel quickly became a symbol of what partnerships between individuals and educational institutions can achieve. Bishop Onaga’s blessing, Capt. Nnaji’s humility, and the management’s gratitude underscored one message: true philanthropy needs no fanfare, only impact.
