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By Madu Obi
As part of his campaign for Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in education in the country, the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has attracted N15 million to St. John of God College, a mission school in Awka, from an old student of the school who is resident in the United States of America, USA.
The old student, Mrs. Bridget Egodi Egbujiobi (formerly Bridget Egodi Akaigwe of Class of 1979 of the school, made the donation in USA during Obi's visit to the family.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the gesture, Obi shared how he was warmly hosted by Dr. Leo and Mrs. Bridget Egbujiobi, adding that during their discussions, he raised the issue of giving back to society, particularly through supporting one’s alma mater.
Obi said: "As we were talking, I asked Mrs Egbujiobi which school she attended in Nigeria and she said St John of God. When I asked when last she visited the school, she confessed that she hadn't been to the school since she left in 1979.
I encouraged her to start giving back to the school that made her what she is and immediately, she said she would begin with N15 million."
Obi added that Mrs Egbujiobi also promised to talk to her school mates to start donating to the school for specified projects.
Speaking during the presentation, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor commended the donor and Obi for attracting the money.
"You can see what it means to think for others and what people can do because of the nature of education they received. We commend the former governor for this because it was his connection that made this possible," the Bishop said.
The Manager of the school, Rev. Fr. Malarchy Maduewesi thanked Obi, attributing the remarkable advancement of the institution, in both infrastructure and learning, to his ongoing support.
He recalled that it was during Obi's tenure that the school received massive infrastructure development.
The Senior Prefect of the school, Miss Chioma Rita Ezechi presented a pair of sandals to Obi's wife on behalf of the school, promising that Obi’s own would be ready during his next visit to the school.
She expressed the gratitude of the entire school for Obi’s previous contributions, which include buses, computers, internet connectivity, generators, a library, and funding for the construction and renovation of school buildings and prayed for continued blessings on Obi as he supports their institution.
Obi also made a stop over at Regina Caeli School of Nursing in Awka, where he contributed N10 million to support its mission of advancing healthcare education.
The Manager of Regina Caeli Hospital thanked Obi for his sustained support and praised his generosity, noting that Obi’s inclusive giving, without regard to tribe or religion, is a lesson in our common humanity and a valuable principle for all Nigerians to learn.
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