OKPANAM/Nigeria: The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Dr. Anthony Nwokolobia, has applauded the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, for what he described as an “unprecedented and selfless commitment” to expanding access to quality education in the state.
Speaking at the 2025 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols of Maris Schools, Amachai-Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA, Dr. Nwokolobia—represented by the Director of Administration, Mr. Godspower Ebinum-Olisa—said Egugbo’s determination to keep school fees affordable has made Maris Schools a model of community service and educational inclusion.
He noted that the school’s fees—N18,500 for Kindergarten to Primary classes and N26,000 for Junior and Senior Secondary levels—place it among the most affordable private schools in the region. “Egugbo has subsidised the cost of education to the point that it can almost be likened to free education,” he said, commending the flexible payment options available to parents.
Demonstrating personal support, he announced that he would pay the school fees of five pupils, praising the school’s facilities, the quality of its teachers and the excellent performances displayed during the carol service.
The Permanent Secretary also lauded the approval and use of Maris Hall as a Mass Centre by the Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Odogwu Elue, describing it as “a selfless gift to the Christian community.”
In his sermon during the event, Rev. Fr. Andrew Mozia, Priest-in-Charge of the Mass Centre, reminded Christians of the essence of sacrifice. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15 and Ecclesiastes 7:1, he said the season of Christmas calls believers to emulate Christ by supporting one another and contributing to societal growth.
“As a nation, we are where we are because people hardly make sacrifices,” he said, urging the community to assist in the development of a permanent Catholic parish in the neighbourhood.
Earlier, in a welcome address, Miss Nze Blessing, speaking for Maris Schools, reaffirmed the school’s commitment to a 21st-century learning environment anchored on strong moral and cultural values. She appealed for support to acquire buses, upgrade facilities, fund scholarships for indigent pupils, and improve Maris Hall for worship and school events.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori and Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme for their commitment to education and thanked the state government for providing the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, for the annual Maris Public Service Lecture.
Responding, Comrade Egugbo, who also serves as Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, expressed profound gratitude to God for the progress Maris Schools has recorded since its inception. He thanked current and former state leaders—including Governor Oborevwori, Deputy Governor Onyeme, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan—for their support.
Egugbo also acknowledged spiritual advisers, lawmakers, community leaders and partners who have contributed to the growth of the school. He commended Dr. Nwokolobia for sponsoring the fees of five pupils, adding that the contribution would be spread to reduce the fees of all pupils next term.
“At Maris Schools, we believe service to God is service to humanity. Finance should not deprive any child of sound education,” he said.
The colourful carol service featured drama presentations, readings by pupils, parents and guests, and a lively appearance by Father Christmas.
Attendees included officials of the Ministry of Education, community leaders, parents and well-wishers who praised Maris Schools for its impact on character development and educational excellence.
