Abia State YPP deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections and chairman of Caades Group, Chima Anyaso, has said that his decision to offer free early childhood education to indigent children in the State for almost 20 years to date was borne out of his passionate desire to guarantee that women are empowered in the society and can compete with their male counterparts in the real world.
He made the remarks while being honoured with the prestigious Nigerian Magazine Award in Mayfair, London, in the United Kingdom.
He expressed his profound gratitude for receiving the prestigious Nigerian Magazine Award for his outstanding contributions to the society, particularly in the realm of education and human development.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech at the distinguished University Women’s Club in Mayfair, London, Anyaso highlighted the paramount importance of education as the fundamental tool for empowerment, especially for women and underprivileged children.
“I am very particular about women because, without them, we would not be where we are today. And if you look at this room, we have more women and it shows that the women are already dominating.
“I tell my friends that there is no need to struggle with women because we too need some rest. It’s about time we allow the women to take the front stage,” he stated.
Anyaso dedicated the award to his wife, Adanna Anyaso, acknowledging her support despite her not being able to attend the award event due to other engagements.
Anyaso equally expressed his gratitude to the event organisers, noting the significant representation in the audience.
Reflecting on his nomination, Anyaso highlighted the role of his education foundation, The Ahuoma Anyaso Educational Foundation, in transforming the lives of thousands of children over the years.
He recounted the inception of his initiative at the age of 26-year-old and the subsequent establishment of a nursery and primary school in his community, Igbere, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, where over 3,000 children have so far received free quality education at no cost to their parents.
“What we have done is to make sure that the less privileged child gets the opportunity to get a basic education which is the nursery and primary school education. Because I believe that when you empower a child with education, you have given that child everything he/she will need to stand for him/herself in life,” he added.
Throughout his speech, Anyaso emphasised the significance of empowering women through education, noting that a substantial number of beneficiaries from his Foundation were girls.
He reiterated his commitment to providing equal opportunities for both genders to access quality education, believing it to be a catalyst for societal progress and gender equality.
“I believe that empowering women also starts from creating an opportunity for them to get quality education,” he stated.
Anyaso expressed his gratitude for the recognition bestowed on him while emphasising the importance of the award as another call to do more for the society.
He went further to extend appreciation to the award organizers and attendees for their outstanding support and encouragement.
“It is important to have people speak for you in a room where you are not present, I wasn’t in the room when the decision to select me for this award was made and I am grateful I am here to receive this award in person. Thank you very much, and I sincerely appreciate it,” Anyaso added.