Dikemba Ebenebe Celebrates NUJ Award with Philanthropy and School Visits
It was a twin celebration as Hon. Oliver N. Okenna (popularly known as Dikemba Ebenebe) marked his recognition as the 2024 NUJ Most Innovative Entrepreneur, awarded by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, and visited his alma mater and other schools for philanthropic outreach.
Dikemba Ebenebe, a Canada-based Anambrarian and proud indigene of Ebenebe Community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, hosted the NUJ Anambra State Council—the conferrer of the award—alongside members of his community and esteemed guests on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at his father’s residence, Owele Ebenebe.
Prior to the celebration, Hon. Okenna, in the company of NUJ members, visited several schools in and around his community, where he showcased his philanthropic efforts. One of the schools visited was Central Primary School, Obaofemili, where he took steps to replace dilapidated classroom roofs, having observed the discomfort they caused the pupils.
The traditional ruler of Obaofemili, Igwe Ezekwesili Mmadu Agwuna (Ofemili), expressed gratitude for Hon. Okenna’s goodwill, noting that his actions came from personal initiative:
“Today we have seen a demonstration by Dikemba. Nobody told him anything; he came back, went around, and discovered schools that needed help. At least, he has chosen two schools to support. It is a thing of great joy,” Igwe Agwuna said.
The traditional ruler also used the opportunity to commend Governor Charles Soludo for his impactful projects in the state. “We are very grateful to His Excellency, the man who came and saw the future. He identified the potential in this community, Obaofemili, and built a standard road for us—something no one has ever done before. We stand ready to support him in the next election,” he added.
In his speech, Hon. Oliver Okenna (Dikemba Ebenebe) reflected on the inspiration behind his efforts:
“One of the things that inspires me is my love for education. As someone born in a rural area, I always like to give back to my people. I want to see the joy in them; I want to see them succeed, like other children here and abroad. I married in the Western world, and my children are biracial. When I compare their lives with those of the children here, it baffles me. I realized we only need to make a few meaningful changes to transform their lives,” he said.
Hon. Okenna also acknowledged Governor Soludo’s contributions, particularly the improved road networks in Awka North, which he described as immensely beneficial. He noted his previous philanthropic activities, including the Ebenebe Food Sufficiency and Surplus Campaign, 2024, which earned him the NUJ Anambra State Council award.
Venerable Samuel Asaa, the school manager and archdeacon of Obaofemili Archdeaconry, praised Dikemba Ebenebe’s philanthropic gesture:
“I am extremely impressed by his willingness to address the dilapidated state of our school. This has been my prayer for a long time. Today, the Lord has brought us a savior to change the lives of our people and improve their environment,” he said.
Following his visit to Central Primary School, Obaofemili, Hon. Okenna and the NUJ delegates toured other primary and secondary schools in Ebenebe.
At Community Secondary School, Ebenebe, Hon. Okenna conducted an academic test for some of the brightest students. The top-performing male and female students were rewarded with tablets, while other participants received cash prizes. The gesture, according to Hon. Okenna, aimed to encourage academic diligence and promote the use of electronic gadgets for educational purposes while discouraging misuse.
One of the tablet recipients, Chukwuka Great Chukwuka, an SS1 student, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am overjoyed and thankful to Dikemba for his kindness. I encourage other students to work hard and remain committed to their studies because hard work pays.”
The event, which celebrated Hon. Okenna’s honor as the Most Innovative Entrepreneur, attracted attendees from various walks of life, including the traditional ruler of Ebenebe, Igwe Christopher Anaegbune; the traditional ruler of Obaofemili, Igwe Ernest Ezekwesili Mmadu Agwuna (Ofemili); and NUJ Anambra State Council Chairman, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu.
The award was originally conferred on Hon. Oliver N. Okenna in absentia during the 2024 NUJ Press Week and Man of the Year Awards Ceremony, held on November 7, 2024, at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center.
