Obi donates ₦10m to Anambra school

---

---

By Madu Obi

The students and pupils of Western Academy, Umueze Anam, in Anambra West local government area, have expressed deep appreciation to the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, for donating N10 million to improve facilities in their school.

Addressing the students, Obi urged them to take their studies seriously, reminding them that education remains the most reliable path to personal and societal advancement.

He told them that the mere fact that they are in school places them in a privileged position and that with dedication and hard work they would be able to compete favourably with students from any part of the world.

He encouraged them to believe in their potential, noting that among them could emerge future presidents, governors, professors, entrepreneurs and leaders of major institutions, including banks and international organisations.

Obi also shared a personal reflection with the students, recalling that part of his own primary education was undertaken at St. Augustine Primary School, Umuoba Anam, in present-day Anambra West Local Government Area, where he began the academic journey that eventually shaped his life.

He further recalled visiting the Anam area while campaigning to become governor and having to access the community by boat, a situation that underscored the isolation of the riverine communities at the time.

According to him, the experience strengthened his resolve to improve access to the area, which later led him to partner with the Federal Government to construct a bridge linking the riverine communities to other parts of the state.

Obi also remembered initiating and constructing one of the first major road projects in the area, linking Umueze Anam to neighbouring communities, as part of efforts to open up the region and improve transportation and economic activities.

The proprietor of the school and the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Niger East, Most Rev’d Dr. Obiora Uzochukwu, thanked Obi for his visit and generous donation, describing it as a huge encouragement to both the students and the school administration.

He urged the students not to be discouraged by their rural environment but to remain focused on learning, discipline and hard work, assuring them that greatness can emerge from any place where determination and opportunity meet.

Speaking on behalf of the students, the Senior Prefect, Miss Udenze Ifeyinwa, said the visit was both surprising and inspiring to the entire school community. She noted that it was difficult for many of them to believe that someone as highly placed and widely respected as Obi would take time to visit their school, located in one of the most rural parts of Anambra State.

She said the visit had given the students renewed confidence and a sense of belonging, adding that it showed that people in leadership still care about children in remote communities. According to her, the students were particularly grateful for Obi’s encouragement and the support he extended to the school.