A United Kingdom-based philanthropist, Ms Charity Anietie-Akanam, has distributed educational materials to over 200 pupils of both public and private schools in Akwa Ibom state.
This is just as she launched an education outreach, Seeds of Greatness (SoG) under TheGreaterYOU project , an initiative geared towards empowering indigent young people across Akwa Ibom communities.
The educational materials mainly branded exercise books, pens, and motivational materials were distributed at Faith Tabernacle Congregation, Uruk Ata Nsidung, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area (LGA).
Other communities reached are Uruk Ata Ndot and Nsidung Ikot Osukpong Ndot in Oruk Anam L.G.A
Speaking virtually from the United Kingdom on Thursday, Charity shared how her personal story shaped the project.
“I was once told that children from broken homes couldn’t succeed. But faith, education, and resilience changed my story. Seeds of Greatness is my way of helping others change theirs. It’s not just about giving, it’s about building confidence, restoring faith, and shaping a generation that believes again”.
The scholar at London University urged the students not to be discouraged by their poor background, stressing that her focus is on reshaping Nigeria’s image through education and development narratives,
She charged the children to study hard, look beyond their background, and build formidable faith in God, as their background is not their future.
Responding, Elder Rufus Obot who spoke on behalf of the Faith Tabernacle Congregation, prayed more blessings on the philanthropist, noting that the outreach was “a divine answer and a delight to the church”
The village head of Ikot Osukpong Ndot, Chief Mandu Onono II, lauded the gesture, describing it as “a rare gesture of hope for the young people and the first-ever school done for children in Ikot Osukpong.”
“We are deeply grateful to our daughter, Charity, for remembering where she came from. These children will not forget this act of kindness. It has planted something powerful in their hearts because this is the first time somebody is donating books to our children,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries, Ukeme Sunday, who spoke on behalf of the young people, said the books would help her stay focused in school.
“I am very happy for the books and pens we received. They will help me stay in class and ease the burden on my parents. Thank you, TheGreaterYOU,” she added.
The project was funded from Charity’s personal income, alongside voluntary donations from supporters in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
