Ugbonabo, Enugu State — Joy and excitement filled the air in Ugbonabo community, Awgu Local Government Area, as the Toby Okechukwu Foundation (TOF), founded by Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu and his wife Hon. Mrs. Lillian Uche Okechukwu, commissioned and handed over two rehabilitated school buildings fully equipped with modern ICT facilities, solar energy systems, and classroom materials to the Community Primary School, Ugbonabo.

The commissioning, held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, marked another milestone in the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to educational advancement and community development across Greater Awgu and the South East.

The refurbished structures now boast solar-powered classrooms, computer laboratories with air-conditioned ICT rooms, and furnished learning spaces designed to enhance comfort and creativity. The Foundation also distributed over 5,000 customized exercise books and textbooks, 200 pairs of school shoes, school uniforms, sports kits, and personalized school bags with each pupil’s name. The nursery section equally received toys and play instruments, all tailored toward creating a conducive and engaging learning environment.

“*Education Is the Passport to Success” — Toby Okechukwu*

While addressing parents, pupils, and community members, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu, former Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and now Executive Director (Projects) at the South East Development Commission (SEDC), said the project was inspired by reports from the School Headmistress, Mrs. Okolo Julian, on the school’s poor state and dwindling enrollment.

“When I heard that this school was collapsing due to leaking roofs and lack of teachers, I knew something must be done,” Okechukwu said. “Education is the passport to success and the greatest legacy we can give our children. When you give a child education, you give them the vehicle to reach their destination in life.”

He further commended Governor Peter Mbah for his Smart Green School initiative, which integrates modern learning technologies and eco-friendly infrastructure across Enugu State, saying that the Foundation’s intervention aligns with the state’s vision for a digitally ready and environmentally sustainable education system.

Okechukwu also referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Education Loan (NEL) Fund Act, which was signed into law to make interest-free student loans accessible to all qualified Nigerian students. According to him, these efforts collectively demonstrate a renewed national commitment to ensuring that no child is denied education due to poverty or poor infrastructure.

“Our intervention aligns with the vision of our leaders — Governor Mbah is setting a solid pace in education, and the federal government’s renewed focus is ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to learning opportunities,” he added.

Reminiscing on his early days as a pupil in the same school, Okechukwu encouraged the students to take advantage of the improved facilities:

“I started here just like you. It was tough then, but you now have everything at your fingertips. The only thing you need is hard work, dedication, and determination. With education, you can become anything — even a governor or president.”

*Community Leaders Laud the Foundation*

In her appreciation remarks, Mrs. Okolo Julian, Headmistress of the school, expressed deep gratitude to the Foundation, recalling how the institution once faced near collapse.

“Parents withdrew their children; teachers left because of the deteriorating state of the buildings. But today, we are witnessing a rebirth. The population is increasing again. We thank Hon. Toby Okechukwu for fencing the school, tackling erosion, and now giving us these renovated classrooms and facilities,” she said.

Speaking also, the Foundation’s Vice Chairperson, Hon. Mrs. Lillian Uche Okechukwu, explained that the initiative was born out of genuine love for children and the need to provide equal educational opportunities.

“My husband has always been passionate about education. When he told me he wanted to help the school, I urged him to see things for himself. Today, we can all see the result of that decision. Education remains the key to unlocking good fortune,” she said.

One of the community stakeholders and alumnus of the school, Chief Barr. Eze O. Eze, commended the Foundation’s effort in reviving the school after many years of neglect.

“This intervention by Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu has brought this school back to life,” he said. “We must all play our part — parents, teachers, and leaders — to maintain what has been done. These children are future lawyers, doctors, public servants, and leaders. Our goal is to raise well-rounded pupils who can compete favorably with their peers anywhere. Let’s allow the teachers to instill discipline and ensure these facilities are properly used.”

Also present at the event were community leaders and stakeholders, including Prof. G. I. UdeUhele and the Ononwu of Ugbonabo, High Chief Francis Okeafor, who described the Foundation’s intervention as “a divine rescue mission.”

“Two years ago, this school was in ruins,” Chief Okeafor recalled. “But God used Toby Okechukwu to restore our pride. This school has produced great personalities, and today we see hope reborn. We appreciate his generosity and vision for our children.”

*A Legacy of Educational Empowerment*

For over 12 years, the Toby Okechukwu Foundation has consistently paid WAEC examination fees for all public school students in Aninri, Awgu, and Oji River Federal Constituency, provided scholarships to underprivileged students, and supported numerous human capital development programs in education, health, and youth empowerment.

With this latest intervention, the Foundation once again reaffirms its commitment to its guiding philosophy — *“Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow.”*