By Cyriacus Nnaji
In a bid to ensure educational inclusion and improve the standard of basic knowledge in Anambra State, a non-governmental organization, Ebubechukwu Eziokwe Foundation (EEF) has delivered essential learning resources to pupils across major primary schools in Umuchu local government area, in Anambra State.
The initiative is part of the foundation’s sustained Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to keep more children, in school.
Every child deserves quality education in Nigeria, says Ezeukoh Ebubechukwu.
Education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, and books are the keys that unlock that power.
According to data from UNESCO, sub-Saharan, Africa suffers from one of the world’s highest rates of educational exclusion and foundation like EEF has tried repeatedly to bridge this gap, through the distribution of educational materials to underprivileged pupils in rural communities.
This year’s beneficiaries received a complete learning kit consisting of six exercise books, pens and other essential writing materials.
The 2025 distribution covered the following schools: Community primary school Ibughubu, Mbarafor Primary school, Primary school Umuchu, Community Primary School, Holy Name primary school and Central Primary School all in Umuchu Local Government.
The event which took place on Thursday in Umuchu LGA, Anambra state, to mark the foundation’s 6th Annual Book Drive, the founder, Mr Ezeukoh Ebubechukwu said, became imperative to enhance quality access to education especially among pupils in the rural environment.
He added that the foundation was determined to change the narratives in the education sector, especially at the grassroots level by providing needed support.
Mr Ebubechukwu affirmed that the gestures promise to champion the education of grassroot pupils, adding that, the learning kits serves as symbols of belief in the students’ potential to become scholars, innovators and future leaders.
In delivering essential learning supplies, the founder acknowledged that, in improving education, pupils need an annual set of educational supplies to attend, learn and thrive.
He said, “Today is not just another outreach, it is a testament to what vision, compassion, and collective effort can achieve. At this 6th edition of our book drive, we proudly reached over 1,200 pupils and more than 65 teachers, spreading the gift of knowledge across communities that need it most and in the most Christmas way possible.
“When we founded this organization, we were driven by one core belief that every child deserves access to quality education no matter where they come from. Education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, and books are the keys that unlock that power,” he affirmed.
Explaining further, Ebubechukwu said, “Our approach to childhood education is tangible, direct, and motivated by compassion. We are not afraid to work with people on the ground to get supplies in the hands of students and funds in the hands of teachers.
“Even when students want to go to school, the financial strain holds them back from attending. This is why our annual Book Drive is one of our most important initiatives to reach the underprivileged.
“I’m lucky enough to have been supported by a family that values education, and I’m proud to perpetuate this gift in the form of giving back to the society.
“Everyone, regardless of where or how they live, deserves the right to learn. There’s nothing I love more than working toward a common goal: improving the quality of life among vulnerable pupils at the grassroot level,” he said.
He commended partners, volunteers and sponsors for their collaborative efforts to impact lives in the community. He tasked the pupils with continuous learning, saying, “never stop learning, never stop dreaming.
This program is for you, to make you understand that nothing is impossible if you put your mind at it.”
He called on the government and relevant agencies to support communities by training more teachers and equipping more children, adding that, “Let’s work together to build a future where no child is left behind.
“I also want to take a moment to call on the government and relevant agencies, NGOs like ours are filling critical gaps. But we cannot do it alone. We need your support to reach more communities, train more teachers, and equip more children. Let’s work together to build a future where no child is left behind.”
“At the Eziokwu Ebubechukwu Foundation, we are committed to impact, not noise. Purpose, not publicity. And with your continued support, we will keep pushing boundaries.
“This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality, by promoting inclusive access to education and reducing gender-based barriers.”
Speaking on the significance of the gesture, the Founder said, “We at EEF believe in the power of a single effect that can leave an everlasting ripple effect in the lives of these little children.
“We know that we may not be able to help everybody but we believe we can help as many that the effect of this single program can touch.
A widow with an only child. A father without the mother of his children. A child looking for a path. A teacher tired of the system. We are leaving now stone unturned. We have done it, we will do it and we will make impact.”
Mr Ebubechukwu who called on the government and relevant agencies to recognised and support grassroot efforts to boost quality education in the country, advocate for stronger partnership, policy support and sustainable funding structure for NGOs to thrive.
He said, “We are doing the work by reaching underserved communities, supporting teachers, and inspiring the next generation. But to scale this impact, we need stronger partnerships, policy support, and funding structures that enable NGOs to thrive. We urge the government to invest more in educational development, especially in rural and marginalized areas. Let us work hand-in-hand to close the literacy gap and ensure every child, no matter their background, has access to quality learning materials and opportunities. Together, we can build a stronger, more educated Nigeria.”
School authorities hail initiative
Commending the foundation’s efforts, school authorities, echoes that the humanitarian bid would continue to improve attendance, boost confidence and support academic performance.
They expressed gratitude for the timely support, noting that the educational essential supplies meet real and urgent needs, ease the burden on families and positively impact academic performance.
“Many students come from homes where parents cannot afford these items and the gesture has restored pride among beneficiaries.
The gesture indeed has brought joy and will positively impact academic performance,” Mrs Ikunna Clementina, Head Mistress, community school said at the event.
Eziokwu EbubeChukwu Foundation is a growing humanitarian organization committed to fighting illiteracy, with a particular focus on the rural child.
