By Jude Michael
The Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Mr Peter Obi, has donated N10m to St John Vianney College, Ukwulu, Dunukofia LGA, Anambra State, in appreciation of the school’s contributions to the educational development of the children and as appreciation for their coming tops in an international debating competition in the United Kingdom.
Obi, who visited the school run by popular Catholic priest, Fr Emmanuel Obimma, known as Fr Ebube Muonso, July 4, described education as the bedrock of any country’s development, noting that any country that did not invest in education had no future.
He said he left his busy schedule just to visit the school and to congratulate the victorious students.
‘Today, I have the honour of visiting St. John Vianney Science College, Ukwulu, to personally congratulate the students and staff on their remarkable victory at the inaugural UK-Nigeria Debate Championship. Your achievement brought pride, not only to Anambra, but to all of Nigeria.
‘In recognition of your brilliance and to support your continued growth, I present you with a ₦10 million donation towards infrastructural development. A sound learning environment remains essential if our children are to compete globally,’ Obi said.
He encouraged the students to see their victory as a collective triumph for all young Nigerians who believed that excellence could emerge from their classrooms; even as he urged them to keep studying hard, reminding them that their future and the nation’s future lay in their hands.
‘To the staff and Management, I express my admiration for your noble work. Your success affirms that even schools in rural areas, when properly supported, can attain global standards. It is a call for us all to continue investing in our children.
‘I also extend deep appreciation to the school’s Proprietor, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to academic excellence and moral formation. His dedication has created an environment where students can thrive, not just locally, but on the global stage,’ Obi stated.
He said that St. John Vianney College exemplified what Nigerian youths could achieve when given the right foundation, noting that he was deeply inspired by their discipline, eloquence, and intellect.
‘May your success continue to inspire many more across the country,’ Obi prayed.
For his part, the Proprietor of the College, Rev Fr Emmanuel Obimma, thanked Obi for visiting, noting that it was yet another proof of his love for education, even as he promised that the six year old school would not relent in its academic successes.
Highlights of the visit were speeches by some of the students who participated in the debating competition and the presentation of a cheque of ten million to the college by Obi.
