The revered monarch of Ugboba Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State and Chairman of the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers Committee, HRM Agbogidi Obi Ezedimbu Emmanuel Nkebakwu III, marked his birthday with a remarkable act of philanthropy by donating internet-enabled computers to Ojeokpa Primary School and distributing school bags, books and writing materials to all pupils of the school.
Although conceived as a low-key celebration, the event attracted an impressive turnout of guests, visitors and well-wishers from within and outside the community, transforming Ojeokpa primary school into a hub of celebration in honour of a monarch widely admired for his simplicity, humility and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people.
The atmosphere at Ojeokpa Primary School was vibrant as teachers and pupils warmly received the Royal Father, who not only provided internet facilities and computers for the school but also distributed educational materials to the school's 95 pupils as part of his contribution to their academic development.
In a brief but inspiring address, HRM Obi Nkebakwu told the pupils that he chose to celebrate his birthday with them because he believes they represent the future leadership of the nation.
According to him, the donation was aimed at empowering them to become the best they can be and preparing them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“I have decided to start introducing you to the world of computers and digital knowledge in order to enhance your leadership potential and capacity for service,” he said.
Addressing the teachers, the monarch urged them to take proper care of the computers.
“If you protect and manage these computers well, I will double the number by next year when, by the grace of God, I celebrate another birthday,” he promised.
The Royal Father also expressed appreciation to the Member representing Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie for constructing a new secondary school in the community. He pledged to extend similar support to the high school to promote academic excellence and encouraged graduating pupils to work hard so they could benefit from the opportunities available at the secondary school.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, HRM Obi Nkebakwu said, “My birthday could have been celebrated at the palace with champagne and festivities, but I chose to celebrate it here with you in your school. I love you all dearly and place great value on your academic advancement.”
In a goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emma Bazim Chinye, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Kennedy Okoh, commended the monarch for choosing to celebrate his birthday with the children of Ojeokpa Primary School.
He noted that the provision of computers and educational materials had complemented the efforts of the local government in improving educational standards within the area.
The Council Chairman further praised Obi Nkebakwu for his contributions to peace and security as Chairman of the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers Committee, as well as his commitment to educational development. In recognition of these contributions, he announced the monarch's appointment as Life Patron of the Aniocha North Education Committee.
Earlier in her remarks, the Headmistress of Ojeokpa Primary School, Mrs. Philomena Awele Nwasonwu, lauded the monarch for his consistent support for the school and the education sector in the community.
She disclosed that upon her assumption of duty, she discovered that the monarch had been providing school uniforms to pupils annually. She also recalled how he readily sponsored the school's inter-house sports competition after the Ministry of Education directed schools to organise such events.
Mrs. Nwasonwu particularly commended Obi Nkebakwu for establishing internet facilities and providing computers, describing the initiative as a significant step towards equipping pupils with digital skills and enabling them to compete favourably with their counterparts in more advanced schools.
To demonstrate the functionality of the new facility, the ICT contractor, Engr. Kelly, connected the computers to the internet during the event, allowing guests to witness the system in operation.
The highlight of the celebration was the cutting of the birthday cake by Obi Ezedimbu Emmanuel Nkebakwu III after a toast was proposed by Mrs. Roseline Abojei.
Among the dignitaries who joined the monarch in celebrating the occasion were the Obi of Umunede, HRM Agadagidi Ezeagwu Ezenweali; the Obi of Onicha-Ugbo, HRM Obi Victor Chukwumalieze; the Secretary to Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Kennedy Okoh; the Chairman/CEO of Mosra Energy Limited, Mr. Olukayode Ramos; the Iyase Agba of Onicha-Ugbo, Chief Alex Odioko; the Secretary of Ugboba Development Union, Chief Ofili Otobo; the Public Relations Officer of Aniocha North Local Government Council, Deacon Chijioke Ugbolue; the Publisher of Anioma Trust, Comrade Patrick Ochei; APC chieftain, Mr. Patrick Nwaoba; and several other distinguished guests.