In its effort to contribute to nation building and economic development, the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) through the InnerCity Mission network of schools is breaking barriers to education by providing marginalised and vulnerable children access to free basic primary education. Currently, there are eight (8) 100% free InnerCity Mission Schools spread across Africa and Asia.
The latest addition to this network is the InnerCity Mission School in Ewu, Edo State, Nigeria. The groundbreaking ceremony to mark the official commencement of its construction was held on the 31st of August, 2021. Present at the event were a member of the Central Executive Council, esteemed Evang. Dr. Eddy Owase, the King of Ewu, HRH Barrister Razaki Isesele III ably represented by his Chiefs, the Regional Pastor of CE Southeast Central Zone, Pastor Emma Akuemokhan, the Zonal Pastor of CE Benin Zone 1, Pastor Moses Olayemi, the Zonal Pastor of CE Edo North and Central, Pastor Zunny Abu, other top dignitaries from the LoveWorld Nation, senior Community Leaders, and key stakeholders from the Community.
In her welcome address, the Director of the InnerCity Mission, Esteemed Pastor Omoh Alabi, said “The vision of the InnerCity Mission School was conceptualised based on the profound statement of our Founder, Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome, who said “Every child is your child”. The InnerCity Mission gives boys and girls alike equal access to rich educational content thus equipping them with solid foundational knowledge which has the potential to mold them into profitable adults who would contribute to society rather than tax the society.”
The InnerCity Mission Primary School, Ewu will benefit disadvantaged and marginalised children from Ewu community and its environs. This is a testament of the passion of the Founder of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome, for vulnerable children.
In the words of the member of the Central Executive Council, Evangelist Dr. Eddy Owase, “Today’s event underscores our commitment to education and the recognition of its potency as a tool to change inequality in our society. Education would not only build a strong foundation for the life of the individual child, but its benefit extends to the family, community and general society.”
The President of the Ewu Progressive Foundation formally handed over the documents of land ownership to Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International which was followed by the formal groundbreaking of the land.
The representative of the King of Ewu, HRH Barrister Razaki Isesele III, expressed the appreciation of the entire community to Rev Dr. Chris Oyakhilome for the laudable project and their anticipation for its completion. “The best legacy a man can lay down for his child is education. This is a commendable effort especially because the siting of the school is equidistant from all the villages in Ewu. We really appreciate Pastor Chris for bringing this project to us.”
The InnerCity Mission Primary School in Ewu is one of the many schools the InnerCity Mission, under the auspices of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, is building around the world in underserved communities to benefit vulnerable children.
Fast becoming one of the most distinguished faith-based charitable organizations in Africa, the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) donated a state-of-the-art tuition free school and a health centre in DEMSA community in Adamawa state, Northeastern part of Nigeria. The Foundation earlier constructed one in Lagos State.