ODEF Donates Food Items, Books To Deaf Schools In Ibadan

Three Deaf schools in West Africa’s largest city recently benefited from the philanthropic gesture of Olumeka Daniel Enwemike Foundation.

The humanitarian initiative donated food items and some 450 exercise books to the Ibadan school for the Deaf, Ijokodo High school (special unit) and the Christian Missionary school for the Deaf in celebration of his birthday in the ancient city.

Speaking to our correspondent after giving out the items, Executive Director of the foundation, Olumeka Daniel Enwemike said he had always dreamt of setting up a foundation during his time at University (National Open University of Nigeria) some four years ago.

Olumeka remarked that his aim for setting up the foundation was to promote the welfare of children in need given the level of poverty and social injustice in society. In addition, it will bring about a positive change in society’s social structure for a better tomorrow. According to him, the organization will also help orphanages/ destitute homes, etc.

Earlier, during distribution of the materials at Ibadan school for the Deaf, Ifeanyi Enwemike, a brother and representative of the celebrant remarked that being an alumni of the school, his brother, Olumeka was trying to relive the memories he had of the school while celebrating with the children as a reminder that they, too, could be somebody in life.

Ifeanyi enthused, “Today is his (Olumeka’s) birthday and he decided to bring some small stuff to celebrate with the students, to appreciate them, and to let remind them that the sky is the limit in their quest for triumph. He also wants to encourage them to face their studies with seriousness so they can be great in future.”

The celebrant also appreciated the teachers, secretary, and clerk for the warm welcome and for their efforts nurturing these young minds.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Ibadan school for the Deaf and its management, secretary of the school, Oriwoh Samuel thanked Enwemike for the gifts and admonished the celebrant to continue with the good work he has started. He also extended goodwill to him.

Also on ground to celebrate with Enwemike was the school’s Old Students Association Acting President, Aladesoyin Akanni Akibu. He noted: “Birthdays are usually celebrated with families, so for Enwemike to celebrate with the children is something we should sincerely appreciate. It takes considerable sacrifice to give such gifts to a school”.

Meanwhile, Akibu appealed to the foundation to consider improving the school in other deficient areas.

State Youth Leader, NNAD, Oyo State chapter, Saliu Luqman Abiodun, in an interview with our correspondent, praised Olumeka for not forgetting the school he finished from.

The obviously wowed Abiodun, who was the celebrant’s classmate during their school days also extolled him for making provision for the school at a hard time like this when a pandemic was ravaging the world.

More photos from the event: