His Royal Majesty Igwe Sir Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Igwe Ogadagidi of Edem-Ani Nsukka, has once again demonstrated his commitment to education and empowerment. The Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council and the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council has extended his benevolent act towards visually impaired students from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), who visited him at his palace in Nsukka.
The visit, led by Prince Sebastian Chiagozie from the Political Science department, was a gesture of homage and congratulations to Igwe Ogadagidi on his recent inauguration as Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council. It also aimed to highlight the challenges faced by visually impaired students at the university.
In response, His Majesty Igwe Ogadagidi expressed his gratitude for the visit and commended the students for their determination and academic pursuits. Emphasizing that there is "ability in disability," he encouraged them to continue striving for success despite the obstacles they encounter. In a profound act of generosity, His Majesty donated ₦2 million to the visiting students, urging them to remain resilient in their educational endeavors.
The announcement of Igwe Ogadagidi's donation has sparked widespread admiration and gratitude within the UNN community. The significant contribution is expected to cover various educational expenses, enabling the students to access essential support services tailored to their needs. This financial support will empower them to achieve their academic goals with greater confidence and stability.
Ejah Manifest, a student from the Mass Communication department, expressed deep gratitude, stating, “This donation means the world to us. It gives us hope and motivation to pursue our dreams despite our challenges.” Nwazu Precious from the Social Work department added, “We feel seen and valued, knowing that His Royal Majesty Igwe Ogadagidi is standing by us.”
Ambassador Timothy Nwachukwu, the Technical Assistant on Communication in the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Students Engagement, praised Igwe Ogadagidi’s act of kindness. He described the donation as a life-changing gesture that exemplifies the power of generosity. According to Amb. Nwachukwu, the traditional ruler's support not only provides financial assistance but also instills a sense of hope and belonging among the visually impaired students and their community.
Igwe Ogadagidi’s commitment to education and youth empowerment is well-documented. In the past, he has purchased JAMB forms for about 300 youths of Edem origin, donated laptops and generators to four primary schools in Edem-Ani, and provided ₦5 million to Edem-Ani youths to start businesses. His Majesty has also awarded scholarships to indigent university students and sponsored eight Edem-Ani indigenes for master’s degree programs abroad, with a promise to cover such expenses for any Edem-Ani indigene achieving first class or second class upper honors in any Nigerian university.
Moreover, Igwe Ogadagidi has sponsored the Ogadagidi Children’s Party for 10 years, rewarding outstanding students from public primary schools in Edem-Ani. This long-standing commitment underscores his unwavering dedication to education and human capital development.
His Majesty Igwe Sir Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu’s latest act of generosity continues to inspire and uplift the community, demonstrating that true leadership lies in the empowerment and support of the less privileged.