Ovuomarhoma Godfrey Ejovwo, Secretary-General, Ujevwu Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, is a respected figure in his community as an emerging leader in his right. He has brought a lot of innovation to the running of the education committee, which he leads. So, in this interview with our Chief Bureau, Warri, Mike Ikeogwu, he shared the fundamental challenges in the community and gave reasons for the setting up of the education committee, highlighting his achievements within the period. Excerpt
Can we know you, Sir?
I am Ovuomarhoma Godfrey Ejovwo, the Secretary General of the Ujevwu Community and Chairman of the Ujevwu Education Committee (UEC). Since my emergence as chairman, the operations of the committee have taken a new dimension, enabling us to think outside the box for a better narrative of our community. We understand that education is the passport to the future, and we can only achieve a better future by preparing for it. Therefore, we have taken education as a priority project with utmost dedication.
What informed your decision to prioritize education in the Ujevwu community?
As Chairman, I realized that Ujevwu Community is one of the largest communities in the Udu Local Government Area, with a dense population due to its proximity to Warri. Despite the size of the community, we have experienced setbacks in educational growth and development compared to neighboring communities, which has also resulted in low political participation. Our decision was driven by the need to address these setbacks in education development because education is key to every facet of life.
Can you tell us more about the Ujevwu Education Committee (UEC)?
The Ujevwu Education Committee is a brainchild of the Ujevwu Community, established to articulate and source financial assistance related to education. We particularly focus on scholarships and educational grants for indigent children in both the formal and informal sectors of education.
How do you generate funds for this purpose?
The Ujevwu Education Committee receives financial support from the community leadership, corporate bodies, institutions, non-governmental organizations, and individual contributions, among others.
What are some of UEC’s achievements?
As an ad hoc body, the UEC has not achieved much presently, which is largely due to the nation’s economic challenges that affect everyone. As a result, people and stakeholders find it difficult to contribute despite our laudable programs. However, we have organized the following programs over time:
- The 1st Ujevwu Education Summit, which attracted different stakeholders within and outside the local government. Papers were presented under the chairmanship of Comrade Gbejegbe, Chairman of NUT, Udu chapter, and Comrade Tishene, Udu LEA Education Secretary. The summit also featured poems and drama.
- The 2nd Ujevwu Education Summit, organized at Ujevwu Secondary School and chaired by the CIE of Udu Field Office. The program featured poems, debates, and the celebration of Ujevwu Primary School’s 70th anniversary. The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Ovie Collins Egbetama, member representing Udu Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, while the guest speaker was Dr. Peter Omoko of Dennis Osadebe University. The meeting was declared open by Chief Austin Emaduku, President General of the Udu Union of Communities.
- UEC sponsored the registration of 36 indigent children for the Cognitive Placement Enrollment in Ujevwu Primary School.
- Through the “Education for All” program, we worked with private schools, cooperative societies, NGOs, and religious institutions to register 84 indigent children for the community scholarship program across primary and secondary schools.
- The University Scholarship Program: Over the past two years, we have provided 13 JAMB forms for indigent children awaiting admission to the university of their choice.
- BECE Enrollment: We supported the enrollment of three children in the State Junior Examination (BECE) for 2024.
- We also provided books for children in some private and public schools in the community.
- Education Taskforce: The Ujevwu Education Committee taskforce is actively working to combat issues such as lateness to school and indiscipline among children. However, in some cases, our personnel face challenges from mothers who excessively support their children.
Can you list some of the programs of the UEC?
We have numerous programs lined up for our community. I will mention a few:
* The UEC runs a church-to-church sensitization campaign where we inform parents about the importance of education for their children. We also extend our campaign to the mosque for our Muslim brothers and sisters.
* The Ujevwu Education Committee is running a scholarship program open to all tribes living in Ujevwu. The scholarship enrollment includes children in both private and public schools, from JSS1 through SS3.
* We have an education package for orphans, providing free compulsory education support.
* The “Education for All” (EFA) program is designed for children of school age whose parents cannot afford school fees. Parents are asked to meet with the committee chairman for documentation.
* The Cognitive Placement Enrollment registration will kick off in November and December, where we pay for indigent children preparing for the State Cognitive Placement Enrollment.
* The University Scholarship program, starting in October to November, will offer free JAMB forms and scholarships to JAMB candidates for admission into the university of their choice.
* The Ujevwu Education Committee is also set to provide medical health support for pregnant women and the elderly in the Ujevwu Community.
When did all these start in your community?
This operation started when I assumed the chairmanship of the committee. My individual goal is to encourage grassroots funding of education by community leadership and collaboration with stakeholders as a way to boost education in the Ujevwu Community across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. This will help empower tomorrow’s leaders.
Do you think only your community can drive these lofty programs?
The UEC cannot do anything without the support of stakeholders, and we are using this opportunity to plead for more support from our amiable Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. His continuous support for infrastructural development, quality healthcare, agriculture, education, and other key sectors of the state economy through the implementation of his MORE Agenda is an indication that he will support the mandate of the Ujevwu Education Committee. We also call on our brothers, Hon. Chief Peter Uviejitobor, Commissioner for Oil and Gas; Chief Vincent Oyibode; Hon. Oghenekaro Goru, Commissioner of DESOPADEC; Chief Jite Brown, Special Adviser to Governor Oborevwori on Government Affairs and others to come to our aid.
Have you considered partnerships with organizations that have similar goals?
We are ready to partner with governments, non-profit organizations, institutions, communities, and individuals.
What areas does the UEC cover?
The UEC operates within the Ujevwu Community, Udu LGA of Delta State. Ujevwu is the third-largest community in Udu LGA, with a dense population due to its proximity to Warri and the presence of the Nigerian Railway Station.
Can you share some of the major contributors to your success story?
Major contributors to our achievements, both financially and in kind, include Hon. Chief Vincent Oyibode, who worked to register our secondary school as a WAEC and NECO center and assisted with the provision of desks for students, and Barrister Austin Nyekigbe, who supported the Ujevwu University Scholarship program. Contributions also came from Hon. Ovie Collins Egbetama, Hon. Chief Peter Uviejitobor, Chief Austin Emaduku, Evangelist Andrew Dokie, Ujevwu Christian Movement, Elder Peter Okpikpi and Otikpo, Comr. Gbejegbe, the Muslim community in Ujevwu, Bright Co-operative Society, and other sons and daughters of our great community. We are looking forward to working with various government bodies and NGOs worldwide to promote effective education and assistance to those in need in our community.
