Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR officially commissioned the female hostel of Community High School Akwaeze, which houses over 250 students in comfort, donated by Chief Sir Ikenna Okafor (Ide Akwaeze), Founder of Nzekwuabo Foundation.
The Governor also laid the groundwork for the male hostel and inspected the well-equipped science laboratories, an E-library, a multi-purpose hall, an ICT hub, and a 60 KVA diesel-powered generator donated by Nzekwuabo Foundation.
The ceremony was held at Community High School Akwaeze in Anaocha Local Government Council.
In context, forming the children in school, Soludo recalled his experience of living in a hostel as a student, which he described as a remarkable life at one’s formative stage. Dormitories, he added, provide a regimented life.
Governor Soludo referred to Ide Akweze as a great son of the soil, who is a blessing not only to the people of Akwaeze but to Anambra as a whole.
“We have come to celebrate you while you are still alive, living a life with purpose,” he said.
Soludo praised Ide Akwaeze for his philanthropic efforts, including his works at St. Peter University, Achina.
“You are giving back to the people all of the resources and wisdom that God has blessed you with.”
“I use Ide Akwaeze as a point of contact to reach out to other great ndi Anambra.” More than 75% of our non-land estates are domiciled outside of the state. We have made the conscious decision to build our homeland in order for it to be livable and prosperous.
“Anywhere you live outside of the state, you are an economic refugee, and this is one of the reasons I ran for Governor of this state.”
“I have been encouraging Great men and women of ndi Anambra to return to their village and adopt a school since 2010.” To put my words into action, I went to my village and adopted a primary school, providing free and high-quality education while paying the teachers’ salaries, which has been a rewarding experience for me. “I’ve been doing this for over twelve years,” Soludo stated emphatically.
“What you’ve done today is long-lasting! You are indeed paying to serve.
“Oprah Winfrey, the richest black woman on the planet, built and sponsored a school in South Africa.” You have sown seeds in the lives of children that you do not know how many fruits will bear.
“You have no idea how many destiny you have changed by the children you see here today being molded.” You never know what will become of your legacy, but the seeds you plant today will bear fruit tomorrow.
“Education is the foundation of everything,” said Soludo.
The Governor encouraged Ide Akwaeze to keep doing more because God isn’t tired of blessing him. He advised him to establish an endowment fund for his foundation so that his good works would outlive him and his generation.
Soludo stated that Ide Akwaeze has begun a race and he has no idea where it will take him.
The Governor urged other well-meaning ndi Anambra to imbibe what Ide Akweze is doing.
“If God has blessed you, return it to Him.” “We will not take all of our wealth and resources with us when we depart this world,” Soludo stated.
In his address, Chief Sir Ikenna Okafor (Ide Akwaeze) stated that the Students’ Hostel building was handed over to Anambra State Government in continuation of his foundation’s goal of having modern schools beginning with primary and secondary schools.
He also led the Governor to the location of the Male Students Hostel, promising that the project would be completed by the end of the year.
Ide Akwaeze, the founder of the Nzekwuabo Foundation, said that one of his special interests is education, which he believes is the best gift anyone can give to the youth. He went on to say that education liberates people from mental slavery.
Chief Okafor disclosed that additional computers and books will be provided to Community High School Akwaeze and donated a vehicle to Anaocha Security Group, describing security as the fifth factor of production, critical for guidance of lives and property.
In their separate speeches, Anaocha Local Government Chairman Hon Gerald Ozo stated that the people are pleased with what the Governor is doing for them. The Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike, an Akwaeze native, thanked Soludo for the numerous projects he has undertaken in the state.
Member Representing Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Federal House of Representatives and APGA Senatorial Candidate (Anambra Central), Hon. Dozie Ferdinand Nwankwo, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, Commissioner for Agriculture, Foster Ihejiofor, Member Representing Idemili North Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Ifeanyi Chiekwu (Money Man), Chairman Anambra Sports Development Commission, Patrick Onyedum, Principal Secretary to the Governor, J.P.C. Anetoh, Chairman Post-Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), Prof. Nkechi Perpetual Ikediegwu, Vice-Chancellor St. Peters University Achina, Rev. Fr. Prof. Emmanuel Umezinwa amongst others attended the event.
