The article, "Honour for a philanthopist," in The Nation reports on an award from student union government of the Federal Polytechnic Oko for Sir Emeka Offor, recognizing his contributions toward the gorwth ahd development of the institution.
According to the article:
Sir Offor also used the opportunity to shower the students with another set of donation of information communication equipment including 10 brand new desktop and laptop computers and accessories.
The interest of Sir Emeka in the institution was borne out of personal conviction on the need to raise the standard of education in the country. The slogan that charity begins at home also contributed in no small measure in the choice of Oko as a focal point for the foundation’s school empowerment program.
The foundation is committed to the development of students across the state especially the intelligent but indigent ones through scholarship schemes. The foundation has trained many students in different tertiary institutions across the country and challenges the management and students of Federal Polytechnic, Oko to make maximum utilisation of the materials donated to them by the foundation.
The Director, Students’ Affairs Department, Mrs. Esther Odigwe, on behalf of the students and the management of the school, thanked Sir Emeka Offor and the foundation for the donations, promising that the school won’t disappoint them, even as she likened the school to a closed sect where success are bound.
“The entire polytechnic is proud of you,” she told Sir Offor as she recalled that after the first set of books was donated by the foundation, the school received about N11m.”
Continuing, she said: “We are very happy for picking our school as a case study in the business of promoting education. The students were very keen and eager to meet the philanthropist. You see in him what the Bible preaches about a cheerful giver; smiling while giving. We have heard of you on good notes.”
The visibly elated SUG President, Comrade Nnadozie Emmanuel Excel expressed his happiness over the development, saying “we are here to answer a call.”
He said: “I am short of words. Your spirit of benevolence is incomparable. You have made us proud. We are wishing you long life. Wherever the donations came from, God will replenish them 100 folds.”
He praised Sir Offor for his contributions towards the development of the institution. He further said that the school was better equipped after the generous donation of various books by Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, promising that the students would make good use of the ICT materials and other items donated to enhance their learning capacities. Speaking before the handing over of the materials, the founder, Sir Emeka Offor said that the gesture was informed by his desire for educational development across the country especially in Anambra State.
According to him, the equipment were donated to the school for the institution’s Students’ Union Government. He urged them to deploy the materials to enhance their academic pursuit, adding that the foundation would do more to encourage the school if the materials donated were used judiciously.
It is important to note that the materials were not given to an individual -- they were meant for the proper enhancement of academic excellence of the Polytechnic. Sir Offor wants the students of Federal Polytechnic, Oko to be the best in the country.
