Collins Onyeaji Foundation Flags Off “Back to School” Project in Imo State
...Over 350 pupils receive educational materials as initiative targets 10,000 children across Southeast Nigeria
By Chidinma Onye
October 2, 2025 will remain memorable for pupils of Community Primary School, Amaodumu Omuma in Oru East Local Government Area, as the Collins Onyeaji Foundation, an initiative of Gozie Africa, launched its “Back to School” project—a philanthropic intervention aimed at easing the burden of school resumption for pupils and parents.
The excited pupils, staff, and villagers turned out in large numbers to welcome Mr. Collins Onyeaji, a native of Amaodumu Omuma, whom they described as a beacon of hope and compassion for rural communities. The atmosphere was filled with joy, songs, and chants, as over 350 pupils across three schools received school bags, exercise books, stationery, and other essential learning materials.
In her welcome remarks, the Head Teacher of Community Primary School, Mrs. Ugoala Happiness, praised Mr. Onyeaji for his generosity and described the intervention as timely, especially amid current economic challenges affecting families. “This gesture has lifted a huge financial burden off the shoulders of many parents. We pray that God replenishes Mr. Onyeaji and his partners beyond measure,” she said.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Onyeaji, a renowned humanitarian and social crusader, assured the community that more initiatives were on the way. He announced the next phase of the Foundation’s work, tagged “Renovate and Equip Schools,” which will focus on refurbishing dilapidated primary school buildings and equipping them with modern learning tools across the Southeast.
“Our goal is to ensure that no child is left behind due to poor infrastructure or lack of basic learning materials,” he stated. “We are committed to creating an enabling environment for every child to learn, thrive, and dream.”
Following the flag-off at Amaodumu, the Foundation team visited Central County School, Omuma, and Community Primary School, Omuma, distributing over 200 school packs to cheering pupils. The final stop was Migrant Farmers’ Children Primary School, Ozuh Omuma, where an additional 150 packs were shared.
Speaking during the visit, the head teacher, Mrs. Ojini Racheal, described the intervention as “the first of its kind this academic session.” She added, “The joy on our children’s faces today is priceless. We deeply appreciate the Foundation for remembering us and pray for more grace, partnerships, and resources to sustain this noble cause.”
Villagers who witnessed the outreach also expressed heartfelt gratitude, calling the gesture a rare and selfless act that would be remembered for years to come.
The “Back to School” project aims to reach 10,000 pupils in 586 public primary schools across the 95 local government areas in the five Southeastern states—Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu. Through the distribution of school bags, writing materials, and essential learning resources, the Collins Onyeaji Foundation reinforces its commitment to promoting quality basic education and empowering rural children to pursue their academic goals.
As the project gathers momentum, the Foundation calls on well-meaning individuals, development partners, and corporate organizations to collaborate in scaling up its reach and impact.
“When you empower a child through education, you invest in the future of the entire community,” Mr. Onyeaji concluded.
