A wave of joy and gratitude filled the air at the Christ Like School within the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Uhogua community, Ovia North East Local Government Area, as the Edo State government , distributed learning materials and school uniforms to pupils.
The commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu , encouraged the pupils to remain focused and determined in their studies, emphasizing that their current circumstances should not hinder them from achieving their dreams. He explained that the distribution exercise is part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to supporting education and ensuring that every child in Edo State has access to the resources needed for learning.
According to Dr. Iyamu, the initiative reflects the governor’s passion for education and inclusivity, assuring the pupils that more materials would be provided to sustain their learning experience and promote equality among all learners, he promised to donate additional 100 uniforms for the pupils.
The pupils, unable to contain their joy, sang songs of thanksgiving and expressed gratitude to God for answered prayers. They described Governor Monday Okpebholo and Commissioner Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu as “God-sent” and offered prayers for them.
Two pupils, Elizabeth Luka and Marvelous Thomas, expressed appreciation to the governor and the commissioner, explaining that they had been praying and trusting God for money to buy school uniforms, and were grateful that their prayers had been answered.
One of the camp coordinators, Pastor Evelyn Omigie, commended the governor and the commissioner for their thoughtful intervention, noting that the gesture demonstrated the government’s concern for displaced children and had brought immense joy to both the pupils and staff.
Christ Like School, founded in 1992 by Pastor Solomon A. Folorusho, serves as the educational arm of the Home for the Needy, an initiative managed by the International Christian Center (ICC) in partnership with the Home for the Needy Foundation. The Uhogua IDP camp currently shelters more than 3,000 displaced persons, providing education and rehabilitation to children affected by conflict and displacement.
The exercise underscores the Edo State Government’s commitment to bridging educational gaps and ensuring that all children, regardless of circumstance, have access to quality learning opportunities.