GUO boss donates 5 classroom blocks, pledges ₦100m scholarships for students in Anambra school

By Praise Chinecherem

Chairman of GUO Transport, Chief Godwin Okeke has donated five classroom blocks to ArchBishop Onyemelukwe Grammar School in Oroma-Etiti, Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra state.

The philanthropist also pledged a total of ₦100 million, to be paid in annual installments of ₦20 million for scholarships for students of Anam, just as he promised to transform Anam from producers of farm produce only to producers and processors growing the economy of the community.

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 called for joint efforts by government, private sector and community stakeholders to address decaying infrastructure in schools across communities in the State.

Describing education as the bedrock of sustainable development, the transport mogul said no single entity could fix Nigeria’s education deficit alone.

“The idea is to drive human capital development in Anam through intentional investment in education. The government and Communities cannot do it alone.

“We the stakeholders must also play our part. If we come together with a shared vision, we can transform these schools and give our children the future they deserve.

“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,” he stressed.

Performing the foundation-laying ceremony for a new All Saints Anglican Church building, Okeke solicited the support of indigenes at home and in diaspora.

“The church project 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,” he added.

The GUO boss expressed confidence that with collective commitment, the vision for the new edifice would be realized within the projected timeline.

The event, which also featured ceremonial planting of a birthday tree in honor of the philanthropist, drew large turnout of dignitaries and locals, including monarchs, teachers, students and community leaders from across the Council area who offered prayers for the church project, donor’s long life and peace in the area.

In his sermon, Bishop of Niger East, Rt. Revd Obiora Uzochukwu described the gesture as pure service to humanity, describing life of Godwin and his wife as complete testimony of generosity.

He commended the philanthropist for his consistency in helping people, 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 burden on schools, but improve learning conditions and inspire other indigenes to invest in community development.

Son of the philanthropist, Chukwuemeka Okeke assured that he, alongside other sons and daughters, would strive to uphold legacies of their parents and ensure sustenance of support to humanity.

The newly commissioned blocks, including fully furnished classrooms, staff offices, and sanitary facilities were built to modern standards with adequate ventilation and lighting.