Dr. Nkata Nwani Chuku, a renowned philanthropist and founder of the Nwani and Akanele Chukwu Foundation and the Iveoma Development Network, marked his 50th birthday in a way that will leave a lasting impact on his community.
Rather than celebrating solely with personal fanfare, Dr. Chuku chose to honour his milestone by launching a landmark education and human development project in Okposi Okwu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The project, named Sir Nwani and Lady Akanele Chukwu Learning and Development Centre, is located in Agunabani village and is designed to expand educational opportunities and digital skills for young people in the community.
The center will feature a lecture theatre, physical library, ICT training facilities, arts and crafts studio, and administrative offices, creating a holistic learning environment for students from secondary school through lifelong learners.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Chuku spoke passionately about the vision behind the initiative. “In today’s world, if you are not computer literate, you are basically illiterate,” he said.
The center will provide students from SS1 to SS3 with at least two hours of free ICT training each week, alongside structured library use to encourage reading and academic discipline.
Beyond traditional learning, the facility will offer virtual lectures from academics in Nigeria and abroad, 24-hour internet access, documentary screenings, and creative arts programs.
“We want to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and exposure needed to thrive in a globalized, digital world,” Chuku explained.
The initiative is both a tribute to Chuku’s late father, an educator, and an honoir to his mother, who continues to inspire him.
He urged community members to embrace collective responsibility and “plant a tree whose shade they may never enjoy,” emphasizing the importance of investing in the next generation.
Brigadier General Igwe Omoke, Director General of the Iveoma Development Network, described the project as a “timely intervention” and a call to action for other community members to contribute to positive change. The traditional ruler of Okposi Okwu, His Royal Highness Eze Onyibe Chukwu Agwu, lauded Dr. Chuku’s vision and generosity, expressing confidence that the center would nurture future leaders—from local councilors to governors and potentially even Nigeria’s next president.
The birthday celebration also featured a community health road walk, the ceremonial cutting of Dr. Chuku’s 50th birthday cake, and prayers for the successful completion of the project. In recognition of his humanitarian contributions, including efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Chuku was crowned Ochendo I of Okposi by the Catholic Women Organisation of Saint Edward Catholic Church.
NATIONAL PANEL reports the Sir Nwani and Lady Akanele Chuku Learning and Development Centre is expected to be fully operational by Dr. Chuku’s next birthday, cementing his legacy of education, community empowerment, and selfless service in Ebonyi State.
Victor Nwegede
