Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has officially commissioned new facilities at Community High School, Akwaeze, Anaocha Local Government Area, donated by the Ide Ezeani Nzekwubuo Foundation.
The newly inaugurated projects include an administrative block, renovated classrooms, a kitchen, and a refectory. These facilities were unveiled during the foundation’s 11th anniversary celebration, which began with a Holy Mass officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, at Saint Michael’s Parish, Akwaeze.
The event featured a free medical outreach and financial empowerment for 179 beneficiaries, including pupils, tertiary students, widows, and sickle cell groups, with cash awards ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦500,000. Additionally, Dr. Esther Okafor donated delivery kits to pregnant women in the community.
Governor Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, praised Chief Ikenna Okafor, Chairman of the Ide Ezeani Nzekwubuo Foundation, for his impactful contributions to education and development through a Public-Private-Community Partnership model. He described Chief Okafor as a “worthy son of Anambra State” whose efforts are transforming the education sector.
In his speech, Chief Okafor emphasized the transformative power of education, stating, “Education is the only gift you can give to someone that cannot be taken away.” He revealed that he has invested over ₦650 million in infrastructure, equipment, and scholarships for the school and pledged further support, including equipping Akwaeze Hospital with 21st-century diagnostic tools.
Chief Okafor urged the state government to strengthen public-private collaboration, deploy more teachers, and encourage students to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them.
Prominent attendees, including Senator Victor Umeh and former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Charles Esimone, commended Chief Okafor for his outstanding philanthropy, noting that his investments have significantly elevated the status of the school.
