By Ovat Abeng
In a remarkable demonstration of commitment to educational development in Anambra State, the Joseph Onuorah Foundation has donated 400 curriculum-approved textbooks to students of Community Secondary School Ndiowu, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, marking the largest direct-to-student academic book donation ever recorded in the area.
The event, held on the school premises, on Friday, was attended by enthusiastic students, proud parents, PTA officials, and community stakeholders. It was curated by the Foundation’s Project Manager, Mr. Kelechi Victor Owuh, who described the initiative as part of the organisation’s long-standing mission to “expand access to quality education and empower young minds across communities.”
In a visibly emotional remark, the school’s principal, Mrs. Celestina Adaobi Ofodum, poured heartfelt encomiums on the Founder, Chief Dr. Joseph Chimezie Onuorah (Deme Deme Na Orumba).
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She described the gesture as “unprecedented in scale and impact,” adding that in her many years as an educationist, this was the first time she had witnessed such a direct, curriculum-specific donation of textbooks to every student in a class.
“Supporting students with approved textbooks at this magnitude is something I have never seen before,” Mrs. Ofodum said. “Chief Onuorah has lifted a major burden off parents and has restored hope, confidence, and dignity in the learning process. This is how communities are transformed—one child at a time.”
Impact: every SS1 student receives complete learning pack
“Over 60 students in senior secondary school one (SS1) each received a set of six essential textbooks covering; English Language,, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Government and Literature in English
In addition, every student received a copy of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel, Things Fall Apart, to promote literary awareness and cultural appreciation.
Parents and students reacted with joy, with several openly expressing gratitude for what many described as “a life-changing intervention.” Prayers and words of appreciation echoed across the school compound as beneficiaries thanked the Foundation for its continuous investment in the future of young people.
Speaking during the presentation, the founder of Joseph Onuorah Foundation, Chief Dr. Joseph Onuorah, a renowned development advocate and philanthropist, stated that the donation targeted early starters in senior secondary school because research shows that academic habits formed at SS1 significantly shape long-term performance.
“Our focus is to deepen reading culture, expand knowledge, and create an atmosphere of studious commitment and fair competition among children—regardless of their economic or social background,” he said. “Every child deserves a fair chance to succeed in life, and quality learning materials are the foundation.”
He emphasized that education remains the most sustainable pathway out of poverty and pledged that the Foundation would intensify its efforts across Orumba and beyond.
“Founded in 2019, the Joseph Onuorah Foundation is a registered non-governmental organization dedicated to educational development, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship growth. The Foundation has made notable contributions to the community, including the construction of a block of two classrooms in the same school to ease learning congestion.
Currently, the Foundation is also constructing a mini-stadium within the school premises to promote sports development for youths in Ndiowu and neighboring towns—another testament to its holistic approach to youth development.
“As the event came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude, excitement, and renewed academic hope. Parents described the intervention as “timely and monumental,” while students pledged to make the most of the opportunity.
With initiatives like these, the Joseph Onuorah Foundation continues to cement its reputation as one of the most impactful grassroots development organizations in Anambra State—building minds, shaping futures, and transforming communities.
