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As part of activities marking the 80th anniversary of St. Francis College, Otukpo, the Godwin Obla Foundation has commenced the full renovation of the school’s two lawn tennis courts. The initiative has been warmly received by the St. Francis Old Boys Association (SAFOBA), who described it as another milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing investment in education and youth development.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Foundation’s Director General, Elder Michael Ubah Obande, highlighted the Foundation’s vision as a non-political organization dedicated to improving lives and communities. He noted that St. Francis College has already benefitted from several projects supported by the Foundation, including:

• Renovation and equipping of the Chemistry, Biology, and Physics laboratories
• Renovation and furnishing of student hostels
• Provision of solar lighting in classrooms and driveways
• Internet connectivity for the college
• Scholarships for indigent students
• Sporting equipment donations, including a new marching band

Elder Obande encouraged others to embrace a spirit of giving, reminding attendees that generosity should not wait for wealth, but can be practiced with a sincere heart and commitment to service.

Leaders of the Old Boys Association praised the initiative, noting that reviving the tennis courts would not only restore sporting activities on campus but also open opportunities for young talents to thrive. Ambassador Ogbole Odeh, the National President of SAFOBA, emphasized that the project would help nurture future sportsmen and women, while also serving as a recreational hub for the community.

Chief Adoga Eddie Anyebe, Chairman of the Otukpo branch of SAFOBA, added that the Foundation’s efforts at the college stand as enduring legacies. He expressed optimism that the newly renovated courts would provide both present and future generations with a platform to develop athletic skills and build careers in sports.

In addition to the renovation, the Foundation also donated a wide range of sports equipment to the college, including football jerseys, boots, balls, and tennis rackets.

The Foundation’s Chairman, Chief Godwin Odumu Obla, SAN, is himself an alumnus of St. Francis College and a former table tennis player who represented the school in competitions. His continued commitment through the Foundation reflects a dedication to preserving the school’s legacy while inspiring future excellence.

The Godwin Obla Foundation recently hosted officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Otukpo Unit, at the Judith Ogwa Obla Memorial Kidney Centre as part of ongoing kidney health awareness and sensitization efforts.

Led by F.D. Haliru, the FRSC team was received by the Foundation’s Director General, Elder Michael Ubah Obande, who shared the story behind the establishment of the Centre in memory of the late Mrs. Judith Ogwa Obla. Located within the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, the facility was built to provide world-class kidney care and promote healthier living practices in the community.

During the visit, Nurse Chidi Kelechi delivered an interactive session on kidney health, emphasizing the organ’s central role in the body, common risk factors, preventive habits, and the importance of regular medical checks. She described the kidney as “the master gland” and encouraged lifestyle choices such as adequate hydration, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake.

The FRSC team expressed gratitude for the awareness programme and requested that similar sessions be extended to the wider FRSC workforce in the region.

This initiative reflects the Foundation’s ongoing mission to combine medical service delivery with public education, helping communities make informed choices for healthier lives.

The Godwin Obla Foundation has renovated the hostels at St. Francis College, Otukpo, giving students a more comfortable and modern space to live and learn. New paint, improved furnishings, and upgraded facilities now welcome the students, restoring safety, pride, and dignity to their daily lives.

The renovated hostels St. Anthony, and others, reflect the Foundation’s continuing effort to improve campus living conditions. By investing in infrastructure like this, the Foundation aims to support not just academic success, but also student wellbeing.

School authorities, students, and staff have expressed excitement and gratitude, saying the refreshed hostels are a welcome change that enhances the quality of life on campus. They see it as part of a pattern of improvements the Foundation has made that directly touches students’ day-to-day experiences.

The change is more than cosmetic: better living conditions help reduce stress, foster stronger community among students, and contribute to better learning outcomes.

This renovation is another example of the Foundation following through on its commitment to St. Francis College, complementing earlier work in labs, hostels, internet access, and scholarships.

The Godwin Obla Foundation has equipped St. Francis College, Otukpo, with Starlinks internet connectivity, giving students and staff direct access to the global digital network. The initiative is part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting education through technology and infrastructure development.

At the handover ceremony, the school’s Principal, Rev. Fr. Austin Ochai, expressed deep appreciation for the donation, noting that the Foundation’s interventions in the college have become numerous and impactful. He emphasized that internet connectivity will significantly strengthen teaching, learning, and research, helping students and staff remain competitive in a technology-driven world.

While presenting the facility, the Foundation’s Director General, Elder Michael Ubah Obande, described the Foundation as a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing healthy living, productivity, and education. He encouraged responsible use of the internet resource, stressing the importance of ensuring it is applied for academic purposes.

Elder Obande also announced that the Foundation would cover the subscription fees for the first two years of the service, further demonstrating its commitment to the long-term success of the project.

The event was attended by Vice Principals, Heads of Departments, and teachers, who welcomed the development as a major milestone in the school’s journey toward academic excellence.

The Starlinks system, operated by a U.S.-based satellite company, provides global broadband coverage across more than seventy countries, making it a valuable tool for modern education.

This intervention adds to the Foundation’s growing list of contributions to St. Francis College, including renovations, scholarships, and support for academic and extracurricular programs.

The Godwin Obla Foundation has boosted internet access at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), with the donation and installation of a Starlinks connectivity facility at the University’s Otada take-off campus.

At the handover ceremony, FUHSO Vice Chancellor, Prof. Innocent A.O. Ujah, expressed gratitude to the Foundation for its consistent support to the institution. He noted that the Foundation has previously executed several landmark projects benefiting the University and surrounding communities, including the Judith Ogwa Obla Memorial Kidney Centre, a ₦40 million student endowment fund, and other infrastructure projects across Otukpo. Prof. Ujah assured that the new internet facility would be used to enhance teaching, research, and learning outcomes.

During the presentation, the Foundation’s Director General, Elder Michael Ubah Obande, announced that the Foundation would also cover the annual renewal fees for the first two years. He emphasized that strong connectivity is critical for FUHSO’s growth into a world-class institution and urged responsible use of the facility to ensure it supports academic excellence.

The handover was witnessed by members of FUHSO’s leadership team, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), the Registrar, Bursar, Librarian, and ICT staff, all of whom welcomed the development as a timely investment in the University’s future.

This initiative is part of the Godwin Obla Foundation’s broader commitment to advancing education, healthcare, and community development in Benue State and beyond.

This story was first reported by journalist Steve Anyebe. You can read the original coverage here.