How I Encouraged Alumna of St John of God to Donate N15M to Alma Mater – Obi

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Mr. Peter Obi presenting a cheque of N15m to St. John of God Secondary School for their continued infrastructural development.

….Also donates N70M to Peter Varsity, Nursing Schools

By Jude Atupulazi

Mr Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Election, has enjoined the students of St John of God Secondary School, Awka to prioritize their education over any other thing, and to particularly pay attention to skills acquisition, in order to secure their future.

Obi, who stated this when he visited the school in celebration of its 60th Anniversary, last Tuesday, donated a N15m cheque on behalf of Mrs. Bridget Egodi Egbujiobi (formerly Bridget Egodi Akaigwe, Class of 1979), who made the donation to support her alma mater.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind this gesture, Obi shared how, during a recent trip to the United States, he was warmly hosted by Dr. Leo and Mrs. Bridget Egbujiobi. During their discussions, Obi, said, he raised the importance of giving back to society, particularly through supporting one’s alma mater.

Mrs. Egbujiobi, a proud alumna of St. John of God, subsequently expressed her desire to support her former school. Recognising the institution’s ongoing needs, she committed to making the substantial contribution, which Obi said he was honoured to present on her behalf.

Obi thereafter challenged other former students to support the schools that were part of their upbringing.

During the visit, the Manager of the school, Rev. Fr. Malachy Maduewesi, thanked Obi, attributing the remarkable advancement of the institution, in both infrastructure and learning, to his ongoing support.

The Senior Prefect of the school, Miss Chioma Rita Ezechi, presented a pair of sandals to Obi on behalf of the school, to his wife, noting that Obi’s own pair would be ready during his next visit.

Mr. Peter Obi, middle, presenting a cheque of N50m for continued infrastructural improvements at Peter University, Onneh/Achina, Sun, Nov 10, 2024.

She expressed the gratitude of the entire school for Obi’s previous contributions, which, she said, included buses, computers, internet connectivity, generators, a library, and funding for the construction and renovation of school buildings. She prayed for continued blessings on Obi, as he continued to support their institution.

Following his visit to St. John of God, Mr. Obi made a stop at Regina Caeli School of Nursing in Awka, where he contributed 10 million Naira to support its mission of advancing Healthcare Education.

The Manager of Regina Caeli Hospital, Rev Innocent Afusim, thanked Obi for his sustained support and praised his generosity, noting that Obi’s inclusive giving, without regard to tribe or religion, was a lesson for humanity and a valuable principle for all Nigerians to learn.

The Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, received the donations on behalf of both institutions and highlighted the significance of those contributions in supporting facility improvements, enhancing student resources, and maintaining high standards in education and healthcare services.

Remarking on what he described as Obi’s tireless generosity, Bishop Ezeokafor observed that if Obi could share his private resources so abundantly, he would undoubtedly extend even greater benefits to the nation if given the opportunity to lead.

Meanwhile, Obi had last Sunday, in continuation of his philanthropy to educational and health institutions in Anambra State, donated N50m to Peter University, Achina/Onneh and N10m to the School of Nursing, Adazi Nnukwu.

During the presentation at Peter University, Obi stressed the transformative power of quality education as a pillar of national development. He urged students to pursue academic excellence, emphasizing that an investment in education was an investment in the future.

He described education as the most impactful tool for societal progress, encouraging the students to see themselves as future leaders, capable of driving positive change.

The Vice Chancellor of Peter University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Emmanuel Umezinwa, also thanked Obi for his continued support. He highlighted Obi’s contributions to the university, particularly, his sponsorship of the entrepreneurship centre, which, he said, aimed to equip students with practical skills for self-reliance and innovation.

Obi, middle, flanked on his immediate right by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor; on his immediate left by the Manager of Regina Caeli Hospital, Rev Fr Innocent Afusim, and the Chancellor of Awka Diocese, Rev Fr Charles Ndubisi, displays a cheque of N10m donated to the new School of Nursing at Regina Caeli Hospital, Awka, Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024.

At the College of Nursing Sciences in Adazi-Nnukwu, Obi reiterated his dedication to supporting institutions that nurtured skill, professionalism and character. Addressing the trend of skilled nurses emigrating for better opportunities, he advised those who chose to do so, to return once the country was reformed, adding that he and like-minded individuals were committed to achieving that vision.

‘For those staying back, I hope that you will ultimately use your talents to contribute to Nigeria’s progress,’ Obi said.

In his response, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, a key proprietor of both the university (with Peter Cardinal Okpaleke) and the College of Nursing Sciences, expressed profound gratitude to Obi for what he described as Obi’s steadfast commitment to education.

Calling him the Father of Education in Anambra, Bishop Ezeokafor praised Obi’s pivotal role in transforming education in the state, notably through the return of schools to the Church, a move, he noted, which revitalized both infrastructure and academic standards.

In his words, ‘What is intriguing about Obi is that he has sustained his support to institutions, even after leaving office as Governor, a commitment that seems driven by a genuine passion for the uplift of society.’

Obi was accompanied on the visit by his former Chief of Staff, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna.

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