.Unveils Dominic Ogaziechi School Facility Complex
By EDISON Okereke
Renowned media executive and philanthropist, Dame Ada Mirian Ogaziechi, has urged youths of Amaulu Mbieri in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State to prioritize education, describing it as the bedrock of a progressive society.
She gave the charge on Thursday during the groundbreaking of the Dominic Ogaziechi School Facility Complex comprising an examination hall, library and science laboratory —at Community Secondary School, Amaulu, Ihitte Mbieri. The project, executed through her NGO, the Dominic Ogaziechi Empowerment Foundation, is in memory of her late father, Dominic Orindunekwu Ogaziechi.
Addressing students, teachers and community people, Dame Ada warned that neglect of education breeds crime and underdevelopment.
“A community that does not have education is no community. It will be full of rogues, grafters, criminals, because they say: an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. The beginning of being busy is with education. Education will give you exposure, education will make you know your rights, education will make you aware,” she said.
She challenged the students to emulate the Nnewi model of generational development.
“In every family in Nnewi, one is building a public school, the other is building a church… In the next twenty years, I want the next generation of Amaulu to begin to invest in their villages and build schools,” she said, asking students to raise their hands if they aspired to build schools, roads or factories in future.
The Dentsu Agyle Nigeria Managing Director also cautioned against internet fraud and other vices.
“Run away from Yahoo! Run away from hook-up! Run away from stealing! Run away from kidnapping. Make real money —not ‘bad’ money! Bad money will not only land you in jail but also bring Amaulu a bad name,” she warned. “The only thing that will make you achieve your ambition is education. Take your education very seriously.”
Ada said the project was driven by a desire to give back and sustain her father’s legacy of community development.
“Dom, as he was fondly called, was foremost a banker with the old Standard Bank. He later became Chief Executive of Steve William Limited, which built human bridges, set excellent standards and empowered generations of youths in the construction sector. He was a community mobilizer who spearheaded educational, rural electrification, water and religious projects,” Theodore Okechukwu Ogaziechi recounted.
Ada also recalled her father’s role in bringing electricity to Amaulu and cited her uncle’s effort in tarring the community road in 2007 as further motivation.
“We’re pacesetters in the Ogaziechi family,” she enthused.
Theodore, further recalled his father’s hospitality in Lagos after the civil war, noting that their home was “the first bus stop for any Ekezeala and Mbieri son or daughter that migrated to Lagos.”
The new complex is expected to help the school meet WAEC and NECO accreditation requirements amid surging enrollment, which has grown from 19 pioneer students to over 360.
Community leaders described the intervention as timely. The President-General of Oganihu Amaulu Town Union, Comrade Egejuru Austin Tochukwu, hailed Dame Ada as “the Queen Esther and Queen Amina of our time” and “the ultimate groundbreaker of this gigantic project.”
He recalled her initial pledge: “You want an examination hall, library and laboratory? I think I can do this. Just show me the site.”
He also urged the community to shun clannism and embrace unity, noting that Dame Ada “has stood tall above clannism.”
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Marcelinus Nlemigbo, and other dignitaries including Hon. Chinedu Ekwebelem, Hon. Charles Ogaziechi, and Barr. Kezie Ogaziechi were present.
Barr. Ogaziechi, former Commissioner for Lands and Rural Electrification, said: “Education remains a potential weapon of change, the key that unlocks the golden door to freedom. We must consider it a collective responsibility to invest in education because it pays the best interest.”
Dame Ada, who also founded the ‘We Smile Empowerment Foundation’ and the ‘Doyenne Circle Mentorship Initiative’ for young women, said the Amaulu project aligns with her broader mission to empower vulnerable groups and build leadership in young women.
She exhorted the younger ones: “As you grow, learn something. Anywhere you go, remember that your wealth must touch home — aku ruo ulo.”
Mr. Robert Dike described the young woman as an inspirator who must be encouraged.
“She has really inspired me. It is always good to be educated,” he added.
Community members expressed gratitude to donors and prayed for God’s blessings on Amaulu.
