Former Anambra State governor, and, presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform in the coming 2027 general election, Mr. Peter Obi has donated N10 million to a primary/secondary school in Umueze Anam community in riverine Anambra West LGA of Anambra state.
Obi was literally mobbed by both students and other natives of the community when he arrived the school, Bishop Martin Anagbogu Western Academy at the weekend during which he handed over the N10 million cheque to the Senior Prefect of the school, Miss Udenze Ifeyinwa Chisom.
As the students, and,
members of the school management owned by the Anglian Communion were dancing and singing praises to Obi, several other natives also stormed the school, and ,joined in praising and thanking the former state governor for still remembering them even when he is no longer governor of the state.
One of the natives, who gave his name as Mr. Donatus Anijah , recalled that it was Peter Obi administration that constructed the first tarred road in their community.
He stated that it was the road that linked their area to their neighbouring Otuocha area making it possible for them to easily evacuate their agricultural produce to the major cities including the state’s commercial hub, Onitsha and Awka, the state capital.
Anijah further recalled how the Obi administration saved them riverine during the 2012 flood disaster.
The natives assured Obi that they were praying God to enthrone him as president of the country so that he could deliver the nation from her current hardships.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the Senior Prefect, Miss Udenze Ifeyinwa, described Obi’s visit and financial donation asboth 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.
The head girl 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.
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.
Obi was accompanied on the visit by renowned communication scholar, Chinyere Stella Okunna; his media aide, Dr. Valentine Obienyem, and, Chief Benji Ubah.
Okunna also encouraged the students to remain committed to their education and to see learning as the surest path to a better future.
