By Nkechi Eze
In what many described as an inspiring and life-changing intervention, the Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has deepened its commitment to supporting educational development in Nigeria with a major outreach at St. Columba’s Grammar School, Agbor, headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Foundation, established in honour of the late medical doctor and former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, organised a special programme themed “Your Future, Your Choice,” where it 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 was greeted with excitement and gratitude, as it lifted a significant financial burden off many families while reaffirming the Foundation’s resolve to complement government efforts in advancing access to quality education.
Beyond settling examination fees, the Foundation rewarded academic excellence by presenting cash gifts to the best-performing students across the nine academic arms of the school. To further strengthen learning outcomes, notebooks and writing materials were distributed to students, reinforcing the message that academic success requires both opportunity and preparation.
The event was not only a moment of financial support but also a celebration of the enduring values of discipline, excellence and service that defined the life of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Foundation, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, underscored the importance of giving back to the institution that played a pivotal role in shaping Dr. Cairo’s character and values. She noted that St. Columba’s Grammar School contributed significantly to the formation of the late lawmaker’s life journey and achievements.
She charged the students to remain focused and hardworking, urging them not to see obstacles as roadblocks but as stepping stones for growth. According to her, challenges should be transformed into opportunities for improvement and self-discovery.
Mrs. Ojougboh further encouraged the students to take responsibility for their future by making intentional and positive choices, both academically and personally. She stressed that hard work and consistency remain indispensable ingredients for success, adding that discipline, focus and perseverance are non-negotiable virtues for anyone determined to excel.
Her two sons, Mr. Nkem Ojougboh and Mr. Orieka Ojougboh, were active participants at the programme, reinforcing the family’s collective commitment to sustaining the legacy of their late patriarch. She reminded the students that every decision they make contributes to shaping their destiny, urging them to cultivate habits that will position them for greatness.
The programme was further enriched by the strong presence of the Old Boys of St. Columba’s Grammar School, led by Elder Ndudi Agholor. The alumni, fully represented at the event, shared fond memories of their time at the school, reflecting with nostalgia and pride on their formative years. They commended the current leadership of the institution for upholding the high standards and traditions for which the school has long been known.
In their separate remarks, the school principal, Rev. Fr. Joseph Ugboh, and the Chairman of Ika South Local Government, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, applauded the Cairo Ojougboh family for what they described as a commendable and impactful initiative. They encouraged the Foundation to sustain the programme, noting that it is a meaningful way to preserve and honour the legacy of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh.
They expressed deep appreciation for the generous support, stating that the gesture had greatly inspired and motivated the students to work harder toward achieving their academic and personal goals.
The programme ended on a hopeful and uplifting note, with students leaving the venue energised, encouraged and determined to make better, more intentional decisions about their future, true to the theme that echoed throughout the day: “Your Future, Your Choice.”
