A group of prominent Nigerian personalities have praised the efforts of the Ahuoma Anyaso Educational Foundation following a visit to the tuition-free school established by philanthropist Dr Chima Desmond Anyaso in Igbere, Abia State.
The visitors, who included filmmaker Kachi Benson, travel content creator Belumi Nubi, education entrepreneur Chichi Orioha and photographer Anita Stella, described the initiative as impactful and inspiring to young people.
Speaking during the visit, Benson said he was impressed by the level of commitment shown towards the education and welfare of the pupils.
“Today I’m in Igbere in Abia State where I came to this amazing school funded by Dr Chima Anyaso. All the kids behind me are fully funded going to school here and it is incredible seeing the amount of love, passion and excitement that they have,” he said.
The filmmaker encouraged the pupils to remain focused on their ambitions despite challenges associated with their backgrounds.
“To the kids, I tell them to pursue your dreams. Let no one tell you they’re small. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Don’t let anyone make you think that because of where you’re from, you cannot get to where you want to get to,” Benson added.
Also speaking, Nubi, known for completing a solo road trip from London to Lagos, said representation and exposure were essential in shaping the mindset of young Africans.
“For a long time my journey has been one of inspiration and the next generation needs representation. They need to see someone who looks like them doing audacious things and being recognised globally for them to know it is possible,” she stated.
According to her, the visit was aimed at encouraging the pupils to dream beyond their immediate environment and explore opportunities across the world.
“The world is their oyster and they can go the distance,” she said.
Nubi noted that her London-to-Lagos drive was intended to demonstrate that women could break boundaries and pursue daring goals.
She also commended the school environment and ongoing improvements in the institution, describing the investment in education as critical for the future generation.
“Coming here and seeing the children excited about education, learning and wanting to be curious shows that this is very needed. They are excited to be in a safe space like this,” she said.
She further praised Anyaso for sustaining the educational intervention over the years.
“You don’t understand the magnitude of the change and implementation that you’re having right now. I want to continue to commend your great work,” she added.
In her remarks, Orioha described Anyaso as a role model whose philanthropic efforts had continued to impact hundreds of children in the community.
“In this part of the world where people are very greedy and people don’t want to do for each other, to find somebody impacting so many lives is amazing,” she said.
The school owner said she learnt that over 500 children benefit from the initiative and noted that the school was reportedly established by Anyaso at the age of 26.
“If I have a role model, one of them will definitely be him,” she stated.
She added that, being an indigene of Bende, she felt proud to support initiatives that contribute positively to the development of the area.
Photographer Anita Stella also lauded the pupils for their intelligence and eagerness to learn, saying the visit was designed to inspire them to believe in their dreams.
“The children are smart and attentive. They responded and asked intelligent questions. This is a huge shoutout to Ahuoma Anyaso Educational Foundation because they’re doing a very good job,” she said.
Stella added that the team planned to return with more programmes aimed at mentoring and inspiring the students.
