Ebonyi State philanthropist, Dr. Nkata Nwani Chuku, has inaugurated a Civic Development Centre in Okposi Okwu community, Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state, providing a modern learning and skills hub for students and youths.

The initiative, unveiled on December 30 as part of activities marking Dr. Chuku’s 50th birthday, is aimed at strengthening ICT training, promoting lifelong learning and equipping young people with skills relevant to the digital age.

The event attracted community leaders, residents and traditional authorities, who described the project as a significant boost to human capital development in the area.

Dr. Chuku said the centre represents his personal commitment to community development and serves as a tribute to his late father and mother, both of whom were educators. He explained that the facility would give students and youths practical exposure to digital tools and help them build confidence for examinations that are increasingly computer-based.

Emphasising the importance of digital literacy, he said:

“In today’s world, if you are not computer literate, you are basically illiterate.

“I schooled here in Okposi, but unfortunately the standard of education we had then is different from what we have now. Schools had more teachers, and whatever people were learning in Lagos or London, we learnt here in Okposi. That is no longer the case.

“We can bring that back in whatever way possible. For me, this is giving back to the community in memory of my late father, who was an educationist, and in honour of my mother.”

The centre, named Sir Nwani and Lady Akanele Chuku Learning and Development Centre, is located in Agunabani village. It is equipped with a lecture theatre, physical library, ICT training facilities, an arts and crafts studio and administrative offices.

According to Dr. Chuku, the centre will offer free ICT training to senior secondary school students for at least two hours weekly, alongside compulsory use of the library to encourage academic discipline and intellectual growth. He also disclosed plans for 24-hour internet connectivity, virtual lectures by local and international lecturers, and periodic documentary screenings to broaden students’ learning experiences.

Traditional rulers, community leaders, education stakeholders and residents at the launch commended the initiative, describing it as a timely response to the educational and developmental needs of the community.

The traditional ruler of Okposi Okwu, His Royal Highness, Eze Onyibe Chukwu Agwu, expressed confidence that the centre would help preserve culture and nurture future leaders across various sectors, from local governance to national leadership.

Also speaking, Brigadier General Igwe Omoke, Director-General of the Iveoma Nkata Development Network, described the project as timely and urged other well-meaning individuals to support grassroots development initiatives through similar investments.

Highlights of the launch included a community health road walk, cutting of a birthday cake and prayers for the success of the project, blending social engagement with educational development.

The Sir Nwani and Lady Akanele Chuku Learning and Development Centre is expected to be completed and commence operations before Dr. Chuku’s next birthday, further cementing his legacy of service and youth empowerment through education in Ebonyi State.

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