Fifteen thousand pupils in 45 public schools across 7 communities in Idemili South local government area of Anambra state have benefitted from free school bags distributed by Hamilton & Thelma Ezeonu Foundation, a non-governmental organization.
The foundation, known for its charitable donations, distributed the school bags across the 45 public schools cut across Ojoto, Oba, Nnokwa, Nnobi, Akwukwu, Awka-Etiti and Alor communities, all in Idemili South council area, between Wednesday, November 5, and Friday, November 7, 2025.
While distributing the school bags, the Foundation’s co-founder, Mrs Thelma Ezeonu, said that the gesture was to give back to the society for the benevolence she and her husband received from God. She said also that the foundation wanted to support the Anambra state government, which she said, had already awarded free education to pupils in public schools across the state.
She said, “The goal of our foundation is to help economically disadvantaged people in the society by giving them monthly allowances to enable them eke livelihood. But recently, my husband, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu (Ikemba Nnobi), visited some public schools in the state.
“In the course of the visit, he found out that many pupils used polythene bags to carry their books and other writing materials, which sometimes get torn. The development touched him, and that was when he conceived the idea of one child, one school bag for pupils in public schools.
“We’re starting the project with 15,000 pupils in 45 public primary schools across 7 communities in Idemili South local government area. With time, we shall extend the gesture to other public schools across the 21 LGAs in the state.”
Ezeonu warned her young audience that the bag was not for them to put their books and throw them under their beds, but to keep their books and writing materials safe; then, make sure they read them.
“Make sure you read your books. Our aim of supporting you is to make sure that you take your studies very seriously, so that the aim of sending you to school will not be defeated. Next year, we shall return to assess your academic performances. Your bright performance will motivate us to assist you the more.
“We cannot read your books for you – we cannot do the studying for you. We can only support you to do well in your academic journey. If we returned and your performances did not impress us, we shall not continue. The same reason your parents send you to school is still the same reason we’re supporting you: for you to succeed. Let nobody tell you that education is a scam.
“We’ve done our part; just as your parents have done their own parts. What we require from you is to study hard and pass your exams. No matter what you want to do in life, education is the first thing.”
Speaking to newsmen during the exercise, Hon. Chika Uche, the Supervisor for Education in Idemili South LGA, expressed her gratitude and support for the philanthropic efforts of the Hamilton & Thelma Ezeonu Foundation.
“This Foundation has made a significant impact in the educational landscape of Anambra state by distributing free school bags to pupils in public schools,” she said.
Hon. Chika Uche emphasized the importance of this initiative, and said that the provision of school bags to the pupils can reduce some of the burdens faced by families.
“The distribution of school bags promotes a sense of pride and belonging among pupils, encouraging them to engage more actively in their education.
“The effort by the Hamilton & Thelma Ezeonu Foundation is particularly praiseworthy, as it aligns with broader educational goals of the Anambra state government under Governor Charles Soludo,” she added.
Hon. Uche called on other organizations and individuals to consider how they might contribute to similar programmes that benefit school children and improve education in Anambra.
The Councillor representing Nnokwa Ward in Idemili South Legislative Council, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Education in the legislative council, also appreciated the foundation for the kind gesture.
“This is unprecedented! This is impactful. I must commend the foundation, because, what they’ve done will encourage the children to work hard in their academics. The foundation has set an example that needs to be emulated and replicated across the state. I urge the pupils not to take this gesture for granted,” he said.
In his own contribution, Comerade Nweke Nnamdi, FCPA, Head of Department, Education and Social Welfare, Idemili South LGA, described the gesture by Hamilton & Thelma Ezeonu Foundation as a welcome development, and said that it is a way of helping the children to succeed educationally.
He said, “As a matter of fact, Mr. Governor introduced free education in Anambra to encourage children to have access to education. Today, this foundation has equally given a boost to the children’s academic pursuit by reason of this gesture.”
Miss Gold Chimezie, and Master Uche Nnabife, pupils who spoke to our correspondent during the exercise at Migrant Farmers Primary School, Nnobi; and Community Primary School, Akwukwu respectively, thanked the foundation for the gesture, and promised that they would not take the kind gesture for granted.
Teachers and head-teachers, who also spoke to newsmen in various schools visited, showered encomiums on the foundation for the kind gesture, and promised that as teachers, they would contribute their own quota to ensure that the children get quality education.
