Prominent Nigerian personalities, including Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson and travel content creator Pelumi Nubi, have commended the Ahuoma Anyaso Educational Foundation for its commitment to providing free quality education to indigent children in Bende, Abia State.
The visitors, who also included education entrepreneur Chichi Orioha and photographer Anita Stella, made the remarks during a visit to the foundation’s tuition-free nursery and primary school established by philanthropist Dr Chima Desmond Anyaso in Igbere.
The visit turned into an emotional and inspiring experience as the guests interacted with the pupils, listened to them read, asked questions, and witnessed firsthand the confidence, intelligence, and brilliance displayed by the children despite their backgrounds.
Speaking during the visit, Benson expressed admiration for the level of dedication shown toward 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 children to remain focused on their dreams regardless of their circumstances.
“To the kids, I tell them to pursue your dreams. Let no one tell you they’re small. Don’t let anyone make you think that because of where you’re from, you cannot get to where you want to get to,” he added.
Pelumi Nubi, who gained global attention after completing a solo road trip from London to Lagos, stressed the importance of representation and exposure in shaping the aspirations 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 said.
According to her, the visit was aimed at inspiring 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 stated.
Nubi also praised the school environment and described the investment in education as vital 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 added.
She further commended Anyaso for sustaining the educational initiative over the years, noting that the impact of the intervention would continue to shape lives positively.
Education entrepreneur Chichi Orioha described Anyaso as a role model whose philanthropic efforts had transformed the lives of 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.
Orioha, who noted that over 500 children reportedly benefit from the initiative, said she was particularly inspired to learn that the school was founded by Anyaso at the age of 26.
“If I have a role model, one of them will definitely be him,” she added.
Photographer Anita Stella also praised the pupils for their intelligence and eagerness to learn, describing the foundation as a beacon of hope for children in the area.
“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.
Founder of the foundation, Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, said the visit further highlighted the impact of the organisation’s over 18-year commitment to providing indigent children in Bende with access to free modern education.
According to him, the admiration expressed by the visitors was both humbling and encouraging.
He also revealed that Benson and Nubi had expressed interest in partnering with the foundation on its “Catch Them Young” initiative and other educational support programmes aimed at helping the children achieve greater heights.
The visit featured storytelling sessions, mentorship interactions, laughter, and engaging conversations, leaving the children inspired and hopeful about the future.
