BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In a remarkable act of generosity, the Jedidiah Divine Home of Love (JEDLOF), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has brought hope to 20 final-year secondary school students by covering their 2025 National Examinations Council (NECO) enrollment fees, amounting to over N7 million.
Ten of the beneficiaries were selected from Ikeja High School, while the remaining 10 were drawn from various other schools.
Speaking on the inspiration behind this noble gesture, Dr. (Mrs.) Ebele Okoye, the founder of JEDLOF, revealed that the initiative was a divine commission she received when establishing the organisation.
“God placed it in my heart that those in need should be lifted, and that is exactly what we are doing here today,” she stated.
Dr. Okoye explained that the initiative was part of JEDLOF’s broader empowerment outreach, designed to ease the financial burdens placed on families, especially in light of the economic challenges in the country. She emphasized that giving back to society has always been at the core of JEDLOF’s mission.
“From the very inception of this foundation, I made a vow to support widows and the less privileged, ensuring that no child’s education is cut short due to financial constraints,” she said.
Reflecting on her inspiration for such acts of kindness, Dr. Okoye shared a childhood memory of her father, who selflessly paid school fees for students sent home due to lack of funds.
“I grew up watching my father pay fees for those who couldn’t afford them, and that deeply influenced me,” she recounted.
She noted that JEDLOF had initially planned to sponsor students for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams but discovered it was too late for registration, adding that as a result, the organization took up the NECO enrollment instead.
Advising the beneficiaries, Dr. Okoye urged them to study hard and make the most of the opportunity.
“You must be diligent in your studies and strive for excellence. This will not only secure your future but also encourage us to do more,” she encouraged.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Peace Okoye, one of JEDLOF’s coordinators, described the initiative as one of four major outreach programs scheduled for the year.
She emphasized the importance of education in transforming lives and why JEDLOF remains committed to supporting students in need.
“Education is a powerful tool, and by identifying with these students, we are investing in a brighter future,” she said.
Expressing joy at the initiative, Mrs. Okoye encouraged the students to take their studies seriously, revealing that the foundation would return to assess their performance in the examinations.
The event was met with deep gratitude from the parents of the beneficiaries, who showered prayers on Dr. Okoye for her selfless act.
They pledged to ensure that their children remain dedicated to their studies and excel in their education.
A senior teacher in SS3, Mr. Adegene, lauded JEDLOF for the timely intervention, emphasizing that it would help the students pursue their educational aspirations with renewed confidence.
“JEDLOF has given these students hope, succor, and a reason to believe in their dreams.
When I first heard about this initiative, I was genuinely surprised, but seeing it materialize today is truly remarkable,” he said.
According to him, the foundation’s generosity has provided a significant boost to education, with many parents overwhelmed by the unexpected relief.
“Many of these parents were taken aback when they were invited to the school for the presentation. It was a moment of pure joy,” he added.
The heartwarming ceremony was attended by the principal, staff, and the entire student body of Ikeja Senior High School, who bore witness to an act of kindness that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.
