By Gift Obiajuru Ukadikebuazua
The office of the Vice President, External Affairs, of the National Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS) in Nigeria, orchestrated a project aimed at benefiting primary school pupils in Edo State.
This initiative, named “NAPSS Back To School,” was spearheaded by Comr. Chinedum Blessing Oparanozie, Vice President of External Affairs at NAPSS, Nigeria. Comr. Oparanozie, also a student at the University of Benin, collaborated closely with her Project Director, Comr. Ibizugbe Osaivbie (the immediate past president of NAPSS, UNIBEN Chapter), who played a pivotal role in turning this project into a successful reality.
On September 22, 2023, the “NAPSS Back to School” initiative came to life as the Vice President and her team visited three primary schools in the Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The schools included Aruosa Primary School in Iguadolor, Eresoyen Primary School in Uhogua, and Ekosodin Primary School in Ekosodin, each hosting approximately 500 pupils.
In an interview, Comr. Chinedum expressed that her deep love for children and unwavering commitment to education were the driving forces behind the “NAPSS Back to School” project. She explained, “This project wasn’t a fleeting idea; it evolved from various activities that heightened my interest in supporting primary schools, especially those in rural areas.”
She went on to share, “During visits to rural areas in Lagos State, I encountered children who were not attending school, and those who did attend often lacked proper uniforms, basic supplies like shoes and socks, and their notebooks were worn-out. I found this deeply concerning, which sparked the idea to support these pupils through a collaborative effort involving teamwork, partnerships, and sponsorships.”
The project garnered support from both individuals and organizations, teaming up with foundations, organizations, and individuals, including the Emmanuel Agida Foundation, Citizens for Righteousness and Social Justice (CRJ), chapters in Edo and Lagos State, The Stateman brand owned by Comr. Eseosa Destiny Osahon (Incumbent Chairman NAUS, CMC, Edo state axis), Daniel Ehiwele Initiative, and National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), UNIBEN Chapter, led by Comr. Efe Augustine Ophori.
The dedicated project team and volunteers included Comr. Chinedum Oparanozie Blessing as the Project Facilitator, Comr. Ibizugbe Osaivbie as the Project Director, Hon. Ehiwele Daniel as the Media Director, Ajakaye Daniel as the Head of Photography, Pius Emoghene in charge of photography and content creation, Ehigie Blessing, and Hon. Wisdom Destiny Meneziebezi overseeing Advocacy and Communications, Barbara-Felix Obaitan managing Videography, Eunice Emojevwe, Theresa Ivongbe, Martins Naomi, and Okpara Cherish Yulochukwu in charge of Welfare and distribution, with Comr. Abadoni Chukwuwenke, Hon. Victor Ochuko, and Comr. Prince Destiny Osahon also contributing to the cause.
According to Comr. Chinedum Blessing Oparanozie, the Vice President of External Affairs at NAPSS, Nigeria, the project took shape starting in July but was fully structured and executed from September 19th to 22nd, following approval from the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). While she faced initial financial setbacks that tested her resolve, she remained steadfast, continually reaching out to potential sponsors. Approximately a month before the program, she received positive responses from sponsors, ultimately making the project a reality.
Comr. Chinedum Blessing Oparanozie called upon the entire National Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS) and the University of Benin students, especially those in leadership positions, to channel their passion and intentions toward helping others and imparting knowledge. She encouraged everyone to contribute their efforts to bring about positive changes, particularly for school children. In her words, “Let us unite to make the world a better place for ourselves, our peers, and the entire human race.”
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