By Frank Ulom
OBANLIKU (CONVERSEER) – The belief that every child deserves access to quality education took centre stage during the second intervention programme of the Joseph Ogogo Foundation (JOF) in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The initiative, held recently, went beyond routine outreach, reaffirming a vision anchored in service, mentorship and long-term educational development for children in underserved communities.
The Foundation was established by Ukani Joseph Ogogo, a retired Brigade of Guards Military Officer of the Nigerian Army, whose lifelong passion for education predates and outlived his military career. Trained as a teacher, Ogogo carried his love for learning into the Army, firmly believing that education remains the most reliable tool for personal advancement and national growth.
His commitment to teaching was practical and deeply personal. Even while in active service, he devoted time to mentoring young minds. At Dodan Barracks in Lagos, he organised evening lessons for children within his residential block, offering guidance, discipline and academic instruction after demanding military duties. Those sessions shaped the academic and personal journeys of many beneficiaries, leaving a legacy of quiet but lasting impact.
That blend of discipline, pedagogy and selfless service ultimately birthed the Joseph Ogogo Foundation, an organisation driven by experience rather than convenience, and by conviction rather than visibility.
Speaking on behalf of the Founder at the Obanliku programme, Professor Augustine Ogogo emphasised that the Foundation’s support should be seen as an investment in the future of its beneficiaries. He urged the students to approach their education with seriousness, discipline and gratitude, noting that the opportunity before them was built on foresight and sacrifice.
“The Founder believes education empowers more enduringly than any other tool,” Professor Ogogo said. “Though he served gallantly as a soldier, his heart has always belonged to teaching and mentorship.”
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The second intervention reinforced the Foundation’s resolve to improve educational access in Obanliku, a region often constrained by geography and limited learning resources. Through educational materials, encouragement and mentorship, JOF continues to address gaps created by socio-economic challenges.
For the pupils and students who benefited, the programme offered more than material support. It served as reassurance that their aspirations matter and that their futures are worth sustained investment.
Beyond Obanliku, the Foundation’s work sends a broader message across Cross River State and Nigeria: that meaningful service does not end with retirement, and that the most enduring legacy lies not in rank or titles, but in empowered minds and inspired generations.
