—Govt, beneficiaries hail sustained Adesuwa Foundation’s interventions

By Egufe Yafugborhi

ASABA – AS pupils across Delta State await the state government’s promised mass rehabilitation of decaying primary and secondary schools, the Adesuwa-Uadiale Foundation has moved into the gap, providing critical infrastructure and learning materials to some schools.

The intervention, unveiled at the Foundation’s 2026 Back-To-School Programme, saw five modern toilets and a fully reticulated pipe-borne water facility with storage tanks commissioned at Ughievwen Model Primary School, Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area.

Over 2,000 school bags, books, water bottles and other writing materials were also distributed to pupils of Unuame Primary School, Ovu, Ethiope East, and Ughievwen Model Primary and Secondary Schools.

The intervention drew commendation from Delta State Government and the benefiting schools, with education authorities describing the Foundation’s sustained support as a practical complement to government’s efforts in basic education.

Representing its founders, Prof. Michael and Dr. Enojare Uadiale, the NGO’s Operations Coordinator, Pagaebi Beregha, said the Foundation was born from the grief of losing their daughter, Adesuwa.

“When our daughter Adesuwa passed away, our hearts were broken. We could not change what happened to Adesuwa but we could decide what happens because of Adesuwa. 

That decision became the Adesuwa-Uadiale Foundation.

“We chose to give our love somewhere to go. If we could no longer buy school supplies for our daughter, we would provide them for another child. If we could no longer watch her walk into a classroom, we could help another child remain in one,” Beregha said.

She explained that Ovu was chosen because the founders’ grandmother, Chief Mrs. Cecilia Uvwo, attended the school in 1948.

Project Manager, Efe Eka, said: “For me, it’s about the children. The primary pupils are at their formative age, so it is best that they are provided with the best possible materials to learn.”

Head Teacher, Unuame Primary School, Miss Oghara Caroline Ovoke, said the intervention came when the school needed help most.

“I just prayed to God to send help, and today God has sent help through Adesuwa Foundation. Most parents are financially challenged. They cannot afford to buy books, school bags and water bottles for their kids,” she said tearfully.

Commissioner for Primary Education, Chief Mrs. Rose Ezewu, represented by Dr. Michael Emeshili, said: “Education is not the responsibility of government alone. 

“It is a shared responsibility involving government, parents, teachers, communities, development partners, non-governmental organizations and philanthropists.”

She added that the Foundation’s intervention “demonstrates a commendable understanding of what it takes to create an environment where children can learn effectively and thrive properly.”

Chairman, Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Hon. Samuel Mariere, represented by Education Secretary, Ughelli South LGA, Abido Samuel, said: “The construction of modern toilet facilities promotes health and ensures a clean, safe environment for our learners.

“The clean water supply system helps provide access to safe drinking water for both learners and teachers, safeguarding the health of all.”

At the ceremonies, pupils sang and danced in appreciation, while teachers, parents and community leaders urged the Foundation to sustain its intervention.