.. Igwe Awba-Ofemmili tasks indigenes to Emulate Okennah
By Uzo Ugwunze
The NUJ Most Innovative Entrepreneur of Year 2024, Hon Oliver Okennah (Dikemba Ebenebe) has renovated the roof of the Nursery Section of a class room block at Central Primary School Awba-Ofemmili, and also empowered two Best students of Community Secondary School Ebenebe with Ipads.
Hon Oliver Okennah who is a Native of Ebenebe, Awkaetiti North Local Government Area Anambra State and also a Canadian citizen called on people to embrace Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Public Private Community Partnership PPCP initiative by giving assistance in any little way they can to better the lives of people around them because government cannot do everything.
The young philanthropist played host to a delegation of Nigerian Union of Journalist at his country home where the traditional ruler of Ebenebe, HRM Emeka Nnaegbuna and cabinet chiefs, including his father, Chief Emmanuel Okennah (Owelle Ebenebe), relatives and well wishers after a tour to the school he renovated and the school where he empowered students.
According to Okennah, I was moved to tears when I was driving through Awba-Ofemili few some months ago and noticed that several classroom blocks at their Central Primary School had dilapidated. It was more painful because one of the affected 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 dilapidating classrooms.
“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 chicken to cold, I had to assist the school management with the necessary building materials and other resources needed for re-roofing of the place.
“I have passion for education. I have passion for children. That is why I always visit schools whenever I return to Nigeria. I always love to check on you; to see how you’re faring before travelling back to Canada. This is not just what I do in Nigeria. I equally do it in Canada. I’m a Canadian and Nigerian citizen.
“I was born a Nigerian. I’m from Ebenebe. I schooled in my village before travelling overseas. So, I know what you are passing through. If not education, I wouldn’t be here today. My intention is to see you all becoming great people in life,” he added, advising the teachers to invest time and other resources inculcating good virtues and morality into the pupils for academic excellence and self reliance.
Astonished over the projects, the Traditional Ruler of Awba-Ofemili, HRM Igwe Ezekwesili Maduaguna and his cabinet, including the town’s union, women, parents, pupils and teachers welcomed the august visitor with pomp’s and pageantry, on April 2nd.
Igwe Maduaguna and the community President General, Hon. Chinedu Moubene, elated over the developments, described Honourable Okennah as a true citizen, ambassador of Awka North LGA, and humanitarian without boundary, urging other citizens of Awba-Ofemmili to be challenged that Dikemba came from a neighboring community to the aid of a school in their community.
The General manager of the Central Primary School, Rev. Samuel Asaa, the Head-Teacher, Mrs Adaugo Chidimma and a primary 2 pupil, Miss Ify Okoye described Okennah as their saviour, assuring optimum utilisation of the edifice for effective and improved teaching and learning.
Moreover, Okennah is enriching lives across the ten communities of Awka North LGA. As the President, Mother Sussan Charity Foundation, he had at Ebenebe 2025 farming cultural celebration, promoted the community’s garri, while unveiling a 3 year farm credit facility initiative geared towards encouraging all the ten communities in the Council Area to sustain agriculture. In order words, his humanitarian acts are beyond Awka North.
At his hometown, Ebenebe, Hon Okennah drove to his alma mater, Community Secondary School (CSSE) on a surprise visit, same April 2nd. He was welcomed by the students and teachers, who had become acquainted with him because he always visit to encourage them. However, he came this time with surprise packages; two Apple iPads and several packets of Canadian produced ballpoint pens (biro).
The NUJ leadership conducted an impromptu quiz competition among the six best students of the school; each representing Senior Classes 1-3 and Junior Classes 1-3. The lucky winners, Master Chukwuka Great Chukwuka of SSS1 and Miss Eziechine Mercy of JSS2 received an Apple iPad each, other participants got consolation prizes, while the entire students and teachers present received ballpoint pens respectively.
The excited Vice Principal (Admin), CSSE, Mrs. Miriam Ebelechukwu Okafor, commended their benefactor for the kind gifts, which according to her, would inspire them to double efforts in their academic and other endeavours.
Dikemba Ebenebe also informed them of his intention to subscribe data for the students for optimum use of the tablets, noting that they contain electronic books and other resources useful for effective teaching and learning, research and development.
“Education is the key, and all you need to advance your career in life. It will take you to the best places you wish to go to. But it calls for self discipline, respect and humility. You must be willing to learn, listen to your teachers, work hard and you will excel in life,” he further maintained.
Moreso at Uwana Primary School Ebenebe Okennah entertained the pupils with light refreshments and promised to replace all the boards and other academic materials, including renovation of their dilapidated toilet and other infrastructural projects.
Overwhelmed with joy, the Head-Teacher, Uwana Primary School, Mrs Evelyn Okafor and her pupils prayed God to keep and prosper Honourable Okennah to enrich more lives at home and overseas.
Meanwhile, the Traditional Ruler of Ebenebe, Igwe Christopher Emeka Nnaegbuna and cabinet members welcomed Dikemba Ebenebe and the NUJ executive. The monarch commended Okennah for living an impactful life even as he urged parents to train their children in a responsible manner so they could become useful to society in future.
He said that proper home training was among the factors propelling Okennah to leave indelible marks everywhere he goes as a humanitarian per excellence. “No wonder he is an executive member in most of the reputable associations he belongs, especially those involving Anambra, Igbo and Nigeria in Canada”.
“This could be among the factors, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu’s led administration found him worthy of selection and bestowed him with the NUJ most innovative entrepreneur of the year 2024 even in absentia,” he said.
In his remarks,the State Chairman, NUJ, Anambra State Council, Comrade Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, had explained that the award was competitive and abhors all kinds of monetary inducements. Okennah came top according to votes from all the eligible stakeholders even when they don’t know him in person. His curriculum vitae stood him out!
He commended Honourable Okennah over the various developmental projects embarked on across Awka North LGA and urged him to sustain the tempo.
“They are massive. 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 approve.
“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.