BY CHINEDU AMEDE
THE Ndokwa Chapter of the Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka Alumni Association has donated educational materials worth over N2.5 million to primary school pupils across the Ndokwa/ Ukwuani Federal Constituency.
Benefitting schools included Emu Primary School, Emu Uno; Elovie Primary School, Abbi; Etiti Primary School, Etua Etiti; Iyiashili Primary School, Utagba Ogbe; Iselegu Primary School, Iselegu; and Otono Primary School, Ezhionum, among others.
Presenting the items on behalf of the chapter, its chairman, Chief Godfrey Ossai, said the initiative was driven by a desire to assist indigent pupils and their families while complementing the government’s efforts to enhance the quality of education in Delta State. He further noted that the donation aimed to support the pupils’ academic growth and mitigate the challenges posed by the harsh economic conditions.
Chief Ossai highlighted that the Ndokwa Chapter had previously undertaken other humanitarian projects, such as free medical treatment and skills acquisition training for artisans.
He announced plans for a second phase of the initiative, which will include capital-intensive projects like constructing toilet facilities and upgrading critical infrastructure in Ndokwa schools. Stressing the importance of education in shaping future leaders, he urged the government to address the declining standards and deteriorating infrastructure in public schools.
The chapter chairman also expressed gratitude to several Ndokwa sons, including Hon. Charles Emetulu, Gen. Mike Ndubisi (Rtd.), Chief Festus Ochonigor, Hon. Barr. Kingsley Egugbo, Mr. Grant Alumona, and the National President of the Alumni Association, Mr. Joseph Egbuwe, for their financial contributions toward the initiative.
Pastor Wilson Ojugbeli, Secretary to the Ndokwa West Local Education Authority (LEA), accompanied the association during the donations. He described the gesture as a commendable effort to give back to society and establish a solid foundation for the younger generation. Pastor Ojugbeli also noted that the school visits revealed significant lapses in infrastructure and called on other groups, government bodies, and individuals to support similar initiatives.
Speaking in a telephone interview, the National President of the Alumni Association, Mr. Joseph Egbuwe, praised the chapter’s efforts, describing the project as a commendable example of community service. He affirmed the association’s commitment to humanitarian causes and pledged swift support for similar initiatives by other branches.
Mr. Egbuwe also revealed that the association, with over 12 chapters nationwide, had executed projects such as constructing and equipping a health centre at its alma mater. He called on governments to prioritise grassroots development, particularly in health, security, and agriculture.
In their responses, the head teachers and pupils of the benefitting schools expressed heartfelt gratitude to the donors. They described the intervention as timely, noting that the materials would significantly enhance teaching and learning while providing relief to parents.
