Carrisa Cares Foundation Launched In Asaba To Support Brilliant, Indigent Students
By PAULINA NZERUBE
HIS Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, FICMC, LLD (HC), KSJI, KSG, has called on students to pursue academic excellence and prepare themselves for leadership as he joined prominent dignitaries at the 2026 Annual Prize-Giving Day of Carrisa Hills International Schools in Asaba, Delta State.
The ceremony, held on 3 November under the theme, “Celebrating Excellence, Hard Work and Dedication,” also featured the official launch of the Carrisa Cares Foundation. The initiative aims to support talented but financially disadvantaged students through educational sponsorship.
Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Chief Strategist to the Delta State Government, Dr. Festus Goziem Okubor, described education as a foundation for sustainable development.
He stressed that excellence develops through consistent effort, noting that “excellence is not an act, but a habit.” Furthermore, he commended the school’s founder, Rt. Hon. Pastor Joan Onyemaechi, Ada Anioma, for turning her vision into reality.
Okubor also urged public-spirited individuals to support the foundation and contribute to expanding educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.
In his royal remarks, Asagba Azinge welcomed the governor’s representative, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, PhD, who was represented by his wife, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, and former Governor Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, who attended with his wife, Deaconess Dame Edith Okowa.
He also acknowledged other government officials and distinguished guests who attended the event.
The monarch expressed delight at the school’s infrastructure and the academic performances of its students. He particularly praised the scholars whose presentations demonstrated exceptional brilliance and confidence.
“I listened attentively to the presentations of some scholars who presented brilliantly and exceptionally well,” he said.
Aligning himself with Dame Edith Okowa’s position on the importance of teachers, Azinge challenged the popular assertion that education is a scam.
“Education is not a scam and will never be a scam,” he declared, urging students to recognise education as a vital instrument for personal growth and future success.
According to the monarch, young people must take advantage of the opportunities available within educational institutions. He encouraged them to see themselves as global citizens and future leaders capable of making meaningful contributions across different fields.
He also urged students to choose their careers carefully, remain ambitious and strive for excellence in their chosen professions.
Drawing from his experience as a Sociology student at the University of Lagos, Azinge discussed the distinction between inner-directed and other-directed individuals.
He explained that inner-directed people possess confidence in their convictions and remain guided by their conscience, even when others disagree with them. He encouraged students to develop such personal discipline and independent judgement as they pursue their ambitions.
The Asagba congratulated the prize winners and wished all the students success in their academic journeys.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal unveiling of the Carrisa Cares Foundation by the Asagba alongside senior government officials.
Earlier, the foundation’s founder, Pastor Joan Onyemaechi, thanked the monarch and other dignitaries for honouring the school’s invitation. She explained that the initiative would sponsor academically outstanding but indigent students through university education.
She also announced an incentive programme under which pupils who emerge first in their classes each term and session would receive waivers covering their tuition fees for the next term and session.
“Every naira contributed into this foundation is an investment into a child’s destiny, because an educated child can never be poor forever,” she said.
Similarly, Deaconess Dame Edith Okowa drew from her professional background as a teacher to emphasise the importance of dedication and compassion in education.
She described teaching as a calling rather than a means of making quick money. Consequently, she urged Carrisa Hills teachers to demonstrate love, patience and godly virtues while guiding their pupils.
Dame Okowa also commended the students for their discipline and good manners.
In another goodwill message, Chief Dr. Newton Jibunoh, Odenigwe Ahaba, congratulated Onyemaechi and described the occasion as a celebration of human capital development.
He pledged to support the school through interactive storytelling sessions at its Mandela Garden. Additionally, he announced a full university scholarship, from Year One to final year, for the overall best student who chooses to study Architecture or Environmental Science at any Nigerian university.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of prizes to outstanding students and a group photograph, marking a celebration of academic achievement and the launch of a new initiative to widen access to education.
