A 15-year-old girl from Imo State, Nigeria, has been granted a full scholarship to complete her secondary education, thanks to the relentless efforts of activist journalist and human rights defender Chidiebube Okeoma.
Chikamso Ekeocha, who endured a harrowing experience in 2022 when she was battered by her employer for allegedly using his children’s bicycle without permission, now sees a brighter future.
In a statement released on Monday in Owerri, Okeoma highlighted the comprehensive nature of the scholarship, which encompasses not just tuition fees but also registration, textbooks, exercise books, a desk, school uniforms, and writing materials. This transformative opportunity was made possible by a compassionate Nigerian woman from Imo State, who, choosing to remain anonymous, reached out to Okeoma during his advocacy for Ekeocha’s justice and welfare.
Okeoma recounted the distressing incident that caught his attention. “I have enrolled 15-year-old Chikamso Ekeocha in secondary school. This is made possible by a compassionate Nigerian woman who preferred to remain anonymous. She contacted me while I was campaigning for justice and welfare for the minor and pledged to cover the costs of her primary and secondary education.”
Following the assault, Okeoma and his team swiftly intervened, providing medical care for Ekeocha and ensuring the arrest of the perpetrator, who was subsequently remanded at the Owerri Correctional Centre by a magistrate court.
Beyond securing the scholarship, Okeoma’s advocacy extended to supporting Ekeocha’s family. He opened a bank account for her mother and facilitated the raising of nearly N1 million to help the family rebuild their lives. Ekeocha’s mother has since started a business, providing further stability for the family.
Okeoma is optimistic about Ekeocha’s future, expressing his commitment to guiding her towards success. “Our role is to guide her on the path to excellence and help her fulfill her dreams. We want to show her that humanity is kind, not wicked. When she grows up, she will love humanity and not hate society. That is my goal.”
This inspiring story underscores how compassion and advocacy can transform lives, offering hope and new beginnings to those in need.
Leave a Reply