By Rebecca Potoki
Pupils and students across Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities in Udu and Warri South West Local Government Areas of Delta State were given a boost in their education on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, as the Ernest Bebenimibo Foundation distributed school bags, notebooks, mathematical sets, and other essential learning materials under its Creeks 2 School Legacy Project.
Benefiting schools included Aladja Model Primary School, Evwrirhe Primary School, Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, Ewein Primary School, Ayama Primary School, and Epame Primary School. A total of 500 branded school bags, 9,000 branded notebooks, 500 mathematical sets, and other stationery items such as pens, pencils, erasers, and sharpeners were distributed.
The foundation, led by founder DCN Ernest Bebenimibo and sponsored by Sir Godfrey Tare Pondi, GM Operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, also received support from Engr. Michael Tonlagha, a board trustee of the foundation, as part of the Street to School Project. The initiative aims to enhance learning for both pupils and students while reducing the financial burden on parents.
At Aladja Model Primary School, 270 pupils benefitted, while hundreds of other students across the additional schools also received materials. Foundation representatives emphasized that the donations are non-partisan and non-tribal, supporting all children and youths in the communities. One representative said, “We are not here to give to only the Ijaws. We give to all tribes. We are not politicians, not an NGO either. We are here to give to the children to foster good education. The materials you are seeing today are not just materials; they are mantles to become great people in life.”
Teachers and students expressed their gratitude. At Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, Principal Mrs. Powei Donyegha urged students to take their studies seriously: “They should be encouraged to make the foundation proud. Education is everything. They should come to school whether anything is happening in the community or not, let them learn and be encouraged to always attend classes.” Head Girl Miss Okoro Precious added, “We are grateful for what the foundation has done for us. May God continue to bless them as they have blessed us.”
At Evwrirhe Primary School, Head Teacher Mrs. Esombi Mercy said, “I am happy that this kind of thing is happening during my tenure. I am overwhelmed, and I pray for God to replenish their pockets.” Meanwhile, Mrs. Joyce Onomehebhor, Head Teacher of Aladja Model Primary School, stated, “On behalf of the learners, parents, and teachers, I want to say thank you very much for what you have done. With this, more people will be encouraged to support education in the same way. By the grace of God, this will make our teaching and learning more effective. May God bless the foundation and lift you from glory to glory.”
Co-founder Mrs. Ernest Bebenimibo delivered a message of hope, encouraging pupils and students to take their studies seriously and see education as the key to a brighter future. Founder Deacon Ernest Bebenimibo shared the story behind the initiative, recalling his own struggles in completing primary, secondary, and university education: “I prayed then that if God blessed me to finish strong, I would return to impact the lives of those passing through the same process. Today, we bridge the gap for children whose parents cannot provide basic learning materials so they can remain in school and focus on their studies.”
This initiative marks the first phase of the 2025 Street to School Project, with further phases planned. Since its launch in 2020, the Creeks 2 School Legacy Project has consistently supported children and students in Aladja, Ogbe-Ijoh, and surrounding communities, ensuring that no learner misses school due to lack of materials. The project continues to deliver a powerful message: every child and student deserves the tools to learn, dream, and build a brighter future.
