Foundation Backs Govt’s Education Development Drive

By Uju Nwachukwu

The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has intensified its support for educational development in Nigeria, providing financial assistance and motivation to students at St. Columba’s Grammar School, Agbor, in Delta State.

At a special programme themed “Your Future, Your Choice,” the Foundation presented a cheque of ₦2,700,000 to cover examination fees for students sitting for the West African Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO), and Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) examinations.

The intervention, held at the school in Ika South Local Government Area, also recognised outstanding academic performance. Cash rewards were presented to the best students across the nine academic arms, while notebooks and writing materials were distributed to enhance learning.

The Foundation was established in honour of the late medical doctor and former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, and the initiative reflects a continued effort to uphold his legacy of service and excellence.

Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Foundation, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, said the gesture was a way of giving back to the institution that helped shape her late husband’s life and values.

She noted that St. Columba’s Grammar School played a defining role in Dr. Cairo’s formative years, adding that the Foundation remains committed to inspiring students to stay focused and resilient.

Encouraging the students, she said obstacles should not be seen as roadblocks but as stepping stones for growth, urging them to convert challenges into opportunities. She further stressed the importance of deliberate and positive choices in shaping the future.

According to her, discipline, consistency and hard work remain essential ingredients for success. She emphasised that every decision students make contributes to their future and should be approached with responsibility and purpose.

Mrs. Ojougboh was accompanied by her sons, Mr. Nkem Ojougboh and Mr. Orieka Ojougboh, who actively participated in the programme.

The event also drew strong support from the Old Boys of St. Columba’s Grammar School, led by Elder Ndudi Agholor. The alumni shared reflections on their time at the school, expressing pride in its enduring standards and applauding the current leadership for sustaining its legacy of excellence.

In their separate remarks, the school principal, Rev. Fr. Joseph Ugboh, and the Chairman of Ika South Local Government, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, commended the Cairo Ojougboh family for what they described as a meaningful initiative to preserve and honour Dr. Cairo’s legacy.

They described the intervention as “commendable and impactful,” expressing gratitude to the Foundation for the generous support and noting that the gesture had inspired students to strive harder toward academic success.