Akahi News gathered that Dr. Augustina Okem, wife of the Executive Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Hon. Elder Dr. Fred Okem, has embarked on a tour of schools in Ukelle, Yala 2 State Constituency, to offset the school fees of some indigent pupils and students who were yet to pay their fees for the third term. Over a hundred pupils and students benefited from her kind gesture.
Who is behind this initiative?
Dr. Augustina Okem, wife of the Yala Local Government Chairman. She visited schools in Ukelle and paid the school fees of over 100 pupils and students. She acted on the instructions of the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and her husband, Governor Senator Bassey Otu.
Which schools were visited?
St. Paul’s Primary School, Wanokom; St. John’s Primary School, Wanikade; St. Sylvester Primary School, Wanihem; and Government Science Secondary School, Wanihem.
Why was the Children’s Party suspended?
The usual Children’s Day party, which holds on May 27, was suspended because of the sad incidents where children were kidnapped in Oyo and Kogi States and held in forests. Instead of celebrations, the First Lady and the Governor thought it proper to reach out to indigent students and help offset their fees.
How many students have benefited so far?
Over a hundred students in Ukelle benefited from this gesture. This brings the total number of students in Yala Local Government Area whose fees have been paid by Dr. Okem to over two hundred.
What message did Dr. Okem give to the children?
She encouraged them to be committed to their studies, saying that education is the only way to a better future. She noted that it was not the fault of the children that their parents could not pay their fees.
5 key takeaways from Dr. Okem’s school fee intervention.
1. The gesture was inspired by the Governor’s wife – a top-down compassion model. Dr. Okem acted on the instructions of the First Lady. This shows that the state government’s compassion is being extended through local government structures.
2. The Children’s Day party was suspended due to security concerns. The kidnapping of children in Oyo and Kogi made celebrations inappropriate. Instead, the government chose to help children in practical ways.
3. Over 200 students have now benefited across Yala LGA. This is not a one-off gesture. Dr. Okem has been systematically paying school fees for indigent students across the local government area.
4. The focus is on the children – not on politics. The message was clear: children are leaders of tomorrow. Their education must be supported.
5. The initiative addresses a real need. Many parents cannot afford school fees. The intervention relieves that burden and keeps children in school.
How this affects the community.
i. Over 100 students can now continue their education without financial stress. Their parents will be relieved. The students will be more focused.
ii. The gesture builds goodwill for the government. When leaders show compassion, citizens feel valued.
iii. It sets an example for other local government areas. Other council chairmen’s wives may follow this model.
iv. It strengthens the relationship between the government and the community. Direct intervention in education builds trust.
v. It shows that the government cares about the security-related disruption to children’s lives. The suspension of the Children’s Day party was a recognition of national tragedy. The fee payment was a response.
Advice from this analyst.
1. To Dr. Augustina Okem: continue this initiative. Education is the foundation of development. Your gesture is making a difference.
2. To the First Lady of Cross River State: your instructions have led to tangible results. Continue to inspire such actions.
3. To other local government chairmen’s wives: emulate this example. You have the power to change lives.
4. To the beneficiaries: take your education seriously. Someone has invested in you. Honour that investment.
5. To the government: replicate this model across the state. Many children need help. A systematic approach is needed.
A question to make you reflect.
If the wife of a local government chairman can pay school fees for over 200 students – what could the government achieve with a systematic approach to educational support?
The answer is significant change. Dr. Okem’s gesture is commendable. But it is also a reminder that government action at scale could transform education. The question is whether the government will build on this example.
🎓 Attend 2026 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.
Akahi News gathered that Dr. Augustina Okem has paid school fees for over 100 students in Ukelle. She visited four schools. The gesture was inspired by the First Lady. The Children’s Day party was suspended due to kidnappings. Instead, the government chose to support education. Over 200 students have now benefited across Yala LGA.