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A moving event took place in Anambra State when a successful engineer and businessman, Mr Samuel Okoye, returned to his former secondary school and donated brand new school uniforms, shoes, and bags to every student. The visit brought back memories of his childhood struggles, when he wore only one faded shirt to school throughout his years as a student. Read Our Last Post: Activist VeryDarkMan launches Ratel Movement for nationwide community service, says youths will “shut down Nigeria with impact”
Mr Okoye, who lost his father at a very young age, was raised by his mother who struggled to feed her children through the little money she made from selling roasted maize by the roadside. He attended school daily in one shirt that was given to him as a donation by a church member. The shirt was worn out, faded, torn in many places, and often mocked by his classmates. Despite the humiliation, he concentrated on his studies, excelling in mathematics and science.
His hard work eventually earned him a scholarship to study engineering abroad. To survive, he worked part-time jobs, including cleaning offices and mopping restaurant floors, while keeping up with his education. Years later, he founded a construction company that grew across Africa, earning him respect in the business and engineering world.
On his return to his old school about twenty years later, Mr Okoye was welcomed by students and teachers. The school buildings were cracked, the furniture was broken, and many students were still attending classes in tattered uniforms, just as it was during his time.
He addressed the students during an assembly, recounting how he once sat in the same compound wearing only one shirt, and how he endured the ridicule of his classmates. He explained that their laughter never stopped him from working hard, but instead gave him strength to succeed. He told the students that his aim was not to seek revenge but to bring positive change.
Soon after his speech, trucks arrived in the school compound carrying hundreds of uniforms, school bags, and shoes. Every student was given a full set free of charge. The event moved many to tears, including some parents who had once mocked him during his school days.
In addition to the donation, Mr Okoye established a foundation to provide continuous support for poor students in the school. The foundation will supply uniforms, books, and scholarships for pupils from underprivileged backgrounds.
The event has been widely praised in the community and across social media as an inspiring example of using personal success to lift others out of hardship.
