Achebe’s Name Drives Community-Led School Development In Anambra

According to Ireporter Online, the enduring legacy of renowned Nigerian literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, continues to inspire community-driven investments in education in Anambra State, as indigenes of Ogidi unveiled and handed over a multimillion-naira school project.

Residents of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area said Achebe’s name remains a powerful motivation behind their commitment to advancing educational development within the community. This sentiment was reflected in the recent completion and donation of a building project valued at over ₦200 million at the former Boys Secondary School, Ogidi, now known as Archbishop Heerey Technical College.

The project was executed by the Association of Boys Secondary School, Ogidi, and formally handed over to the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Reverend Valerian Okeke, during a ceremony attended by prominent personalities and alumni of the institution.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Building Project Implementation Technical Committee, Chief Chris Onwudiwe, said the spirit and ideals of Chinua Achebe live on among people of the community and across Anambra State. He noted that Achebe’s global recognition and passion for education continue to inspire generations from Ogidi to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to educational advancement.

Onwudiwe explained that the institution has a rich history, having been founded by the Catholic Church before the civil war as Archbishop Heerey Memorial School. After the war, the government took over the school and renamed it Boys Secondary School, Ogidi, admitting students from different parts of the country. He added that the school was eventually returned to the Catholic mission following education reforms under a former state administration, leading to its current name, Archbishop Heerey Technical College.

He further emphasized that Achebe’s literary influence shaped the aspirations of many students from the community, alongside other notable scholars from Ogidi who played key roles in academia and national development.

The ceremony was graced by Archbishop Valerian Okeke, the traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Dr. Alex Onyido, and High Chief Samuel Anyawutaku, who served as chairman of the occasion. Several distinguished alumni were also in attendance, including a former Managing Director of Arik Air, Chief Sir Chris Ndulue; Engineer Ken Nwabueze; and former Special Adviser on Information Technology to a United States President, Professor Frank Okafor, among others.

In his remarks, Archbishop Okeke expressed deep appreciation to the old students for their intervention, noting that the school experienced decades of stagnation before being returned to mission authorities. He revealed that the church is working gradually to address pressing needs such as staff accommodation to reduce the burden of rent on teachers.

Also speaking, Igwe Onyido commended the alumni association for its commitment and generosity, describing the initiative as rare and commendable. He pledged to complement the effort by facilitating the construction of a bookshop within the school to further enhance learning.