Activist journalist and human rights defender Chidiebube Okeoma has secured a scholarship for 15-year-old Chikamso Ekeocha to enable her to finish her secondary school education.
Ekeocha was battered by her master in 2022 in Owerri for allegedly riding his children’s bicycle without his permission.
In a statement issued on Monday in Owerri, Okeoma said that the scholarship is a full package that covers registration fees, school fees, textbooks, exercise books, a desk, school uniforms, writing pens, and all other fees.
He mentioned that the incident caught his attention, prompting him and his team to immediately rescue the girl, take her to a hospital, and arrest the suspect.
Okeoma noted that the suspect was later remanded at the Owerri Correctional Centre by a magistrate court.
The activist stated that he championed advocacy for the girl and her family, opening a bank account for her mother, raising nearly N1 million for the family, and securing a scholarship for the victim.
According to him, while the minor has been enrolled in Primary 4 to round out her secondary school education, her mother has started a business with the money raised for the family.
The journalist disclosed that the gesture was made possible through a compassionate Nigerian woman from Imo State who preferred to remain anonymous.
He said that the anonymous woman had, through him, promised to cover the primary school costs for the girl and ensure she completes her secondary school education.
Okeoma said, “I have enrolled 15-year-old Chikamso Ekeocha in secondary school. This is made possible by a compassionate Nigerian woman who preferred to remain anonymous. She contacted me while I was campaigning for justice and welfare for the minor and pledged to cover the costs of her primary and secondary education.”
He expressed optimism that, by the grace of God, Chikamso Ekeocha will grow to become a successful woman.
He stated, “Our role is to guide her on the path to excellence and help her fulfill her dreams. We want to show her that humanity is kind, not wicked. When she grows up, she will love humanity and not hate society. That is my goal.” (Tribune)