Chief Okegbue presenting educational materials to the school children 



The inauguration of Nzeribe Okegbue Foundation, NOF which held at  La Escape Hotel, Nnono Junction , Okpilanta-Umugbalu, Ikwuano LG of Abia State will definitely chart a new course in philanthropy and social entrepreneurship in the community 


A significant outcome of the inauguration ceremony was the draws for the Ikwuano Super League Tournament. After the draws, the kick off match was fixed for Nov. 9, 2024 featuring Ariam-Usaka versus Ibere teams.



In his opening remarks at the ceremony chaired by Hon Mascot Obike, a former Commissioner, Chief Nzeribe Okegbue, PhD traced the roots to his large heart and philanthropy to his humble background


"I am motivated to give back to community in appreciation to God for having brought me so far. Mine was a very humble beginning. I was frequently absent from classes, but here I am today with a PhD. If with my humble beginnings I can make it so far, my  'Educate to Elevate' support scheme is to encourage those from less privileged background remain focused and continue striving for excellence 


Royal fathers at the event 

Chief Okegbue noted that he began his philanthropic efforts long ago in his immediate community with medical out reach, but had to restrategize due to several factors, some of which are not complimentary.


He remarked that though the Ikwuano Super League Tournament has been in existence, he decided to sponsor this year in order to take it to a higher level and to discover new talents, noting that his sponsorship will also be regular.


Inauguration of Nzeribe Okegbue Foundation Executive Committee 

Highlights of the ceremony include the inauguration of the NOF Local Government Executive Committee with Mr Henry Dube Ugwunna as the LG Coordinator. In his short remarks, Mr Ugwunna promised to pilot the Foundation to a great heights and to model it up to the expectations of its founder 


Also launched was the "Back to School" support programme which saw 48 pupils and students being presented with educational resources including school bags, exercises books and cash awards.


Chief Okegbue and High Chief Osondu 


The pupils and students were selected from the four clans of Ikwuano LG by the administrators of the Ikwuano Elite, a WhatsApp social media platform 


While presenting the educational materials to the students, Chief Okegbue urged them to aim for the best and to make their parents and Ikwuano proud of them 


L-R: Hon Agodi Obinna, Dr Dom Onwuzurigbo and Prince K U Nkume

After the draws for the Ikwuano Super League Tournament 2024, the Local Organising Committee,  LOC chairman, Mr Ogaranya Ifemeje announced that the grand finale will take place on Dec. 29, 2024 at Isiala mini-stadium. He also confirmed that the first prize is ₦1 million; Second prize ₦700,000 while the Third and fourth prizes are respectively ₦350,000 and ₦200,000.


Ifemeje remarked that the LOC is poised to showcase the best of football from Ikwuano. "It will be a grand and hitchfree tournament. There will be no cutting of corners, importing of mercenary players will not be tolerated", he said adding that there will be lots of consolation prizes for players and fans.


In his speech, the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Austin Akobundu commended Chief Okegbue for his massive support for education and youths in the LG, and added that he will support the 'Educate to Elevate' support scheme.


Senator Akobundu who was ably represented by Prince Obinna Okey, a former Commissioner, noted that Ikwuano is known for excellence in football, mentioning Kenneth Omeruo, Ngadi and Nkume as contemporary football stars who are from Ikwuano. He advised THE LOC to use the tournament as a talent hunt to discover more football stars.


Besides political stalwarts, prominent business leaders, revered traditional rulers who attended the ceremony include HRH Eze KC Uwaga; HRH Eze Ralph Ogbonna; HRH Eze J I Obaji and HRH King Larry Ogbonna Agwu of Ajata-n-Igu Autonomous Community .


Others include Prince K U Nkume;  Chief Uche Onwuka; Chief Godswill; High Chief Ikechi Osondu; Chief (Mrs) Chibuzor Akoma; Mazi Chikezie Udochukwu and several others


Also in attendance was Dr Dom Onwuruigbo, the PDP flagbearer for Ikwuano LG in the Nov 2 Abia State LG polls and the deputy chairmanship candidate, Hon Agodi Obinna. 


In their various remarks the royal fathers applauded Chief Okegbue for his philanthropic gestures and urged him to remain consistent. They later jointly prayed and blessed him.

Awards of honour and special plaques were equally presented to Chief Okegbue by Federated Ikwuano Students, FEDIKS and by Ikwuano Community Youths President Council, ICYPC both of whom were appreciative of him for his interventions