NEWS
Abia Govt, Monarch, Others Hail Emelandu for Donating Umuagu Secondary School
Abia Govt, Monarch, Others Hail Emelandu for Donating Umuagu Secondary School
For children in Umuagu Ohuhu Autonomous Community, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, the dream of attending secondary school without travelling to neighbouring communities has received a major boost following the establishment of the community’s first public secondary school by High Chief Dr. Ikechukwu Samuel Emelandu.
High Chief Dr. Ikechukwu Samuel Emelandu
Speaking during the formal handover of the school to the state government at Umuagu Ohuhu autonomous community recently, Abia state Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti commended High Chief Dr Ikechukwu Samuel Emelandu for building and donating Umuagu Community Secondary School to the Abia State Government, describing the gesture as a significant investment in children’s education and community development.Represented by the Education Secretary of Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Mrs Florence Odo Enyinna Umezurike, Gov. Otti lauded Emelandu for providing school facilities, convenience amenities and uniforms for learners. He urged community members to protect the facility and charged the 15-member School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) with responsibility for security, discipline and maintenance. She also disclosed plans for a school-based cocoa farming initiative, with proceeds to be reinvested in school maintenance, while appealing for more classroom furniture to address cases of pupils sitting on the floor.Earlier in his speech, the traditional ruler of Umuagu Ohuhu Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Engr. John Amaghereonu Ezeoma, described the school as a landmark intervention that would bring secondary education closer to children and reduce the burden of travelling to neighbouring communities. Recalling his own educational experience after the civil war, the monarch said access to a nearby school had helped him continue his education, adding that other children could face similar difficulties without such facilities. He attributed Emelandu’s philanthropy to the value of education instilled in him by his father, a teacher, and pledged the traditional institution’s support in safeguarding the school and sustaining its standards.
Contributing, the Acting Principal, Mrs Ruth Nneoma Okorie, disclosed that the school had enrolled 49 students and pledged to uphold high academic standards, discipline and effective teaching. She expressed optimism that the facility would expand educational opportunities for children in the community and eventually support the introduction of senior secondary classes. She also appealed for continued support from the government, community leaders and philanthropists to ensure the school’s growth and sustainability.Fielding questions from newsmen, High Chief Dr. Ikechukwu Emelandu said his decision to establish the school was motivated by the challenges children faced travelling long distances to access secondary education. He disclosed that he personally invested approximately ₦80 million in the renovation, construction and furnishing of the facility. He thanked the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Eze John Amaghereonu Ezeoma and the community’s President-General, Mr. Ahunanya Ndubuisi for their support, while expressing hope that the state government would ensure adequate staffing, funding and effective management. He also pledged further support for students and expressed his ambition to expand the school to senior secondary level.
Meanwhile, Emelandu’s Personal Assistant and project supervisor, Sir Paul Nwaogwugwu, said the donation reflected his principal’s longstanding commitment to education and humanitarian service. He noted that Emelandu’s philanthropic activities included paying medical bills, youth empowerment and community development projects. Nwaogwugwu added that the Late Chief Godwin Emelandu Foundation for Scholarship and Education Fund was continuing its scholarship programme, with the second batch underway. He said his principal was also willing to support individuals pursuing education and skills acquisition, urging other wealthy Nigerians and community leaders to emulate his example.
Set of uniforms donated to the school/community by Chief Dr. Ikechukwu Samuel Emelandu
Recall that Dr. Emelandu had in 2025 donated fully renovated and well-equipped classroom blocks to Umuagu Central School as a way of giving back to society.
The handover marks a significant milestone for Umuagu, with stakeholders expressing hope that the partnership between private philanthropy, the community and the Abia State Government would sustain the school and provide more children with access to education close to home.
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By Chukwuemeka Egejuru
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