How it all started

A little act of kindness

Great King Foundation was born from my personal experience, hardship, and a moment of kindness that changed the direction of my life.

I grew up in a poor family where survival itself was often a challenge. There were times when food was not enough, clothing was limited, and stable shelter was uncertain. Like many children from low-income homes in Nigeria, I attended a government secondary school because it was the only affordable option available to my parents. Despite these challenges, I believed strongly in education. I saw it as the only path that could change my future and lift my family out of poverty.

After completing secondary school, my hope nearly ended. My parents could not afford the WAEC examination fee, which was less than thirty dollars at the time. Without WAEC, I could not qualify for university admission, and my dream of further education began to fade. It was painful to realize that my future could be stopped not because of lack of ability or willingness to learn, but because of financial hardship.

I began moving from one church to another asking for financial assistance so I could register for the WAEC examination. Most of the churches I approached were unable or unwilling to help. One experience affected me deeply. At the headquarters of the church my parents and I attended explained that they could not assist because funds were being raised for a building project. That moment broke my heart and shook my confidence in what I believed the church represented. I felt discouraged and alone, unsure of where help would come from.

Everything changed when I walked into St Theresa Catholic Church on Ewah Road in Benin City, Edo State. I was not a member of the Catholic Church, but I met a Reverend Father outside the church premises and explained my situation to him. He listened patiently and told me that he admired young people who had passion for education. He said they had just finished a church meeting and that the offering collected was not much. He then went inside the church and returned with the offering bag. He handed it to me and told me to take it home and if the money was not enough I should come back.

When I got home and counted the money, it was more than enough to pay for my WAEC registration. My mother could hardly believe my story. She took the offering bag and brought me back to the church to confirm everything because it seemed unbelievable. She expressed deep appreciation to the Reverend Father, who then told me to keep the excess money.

That moment changed my life. I was able to enroll for WAEC in 2003, but more importantly, my hope was restored. I experienced firsthand how one act of kindness can open a door that seemed permanently closed. From that day, I made a promise to myself that if I ever had the opportunity, I would give back to others facing the same struggle.

Great King Foundation exists because I know there are many students today who are in the same position I once found myself in. They are intelligent, determined, and willing to work hard, but financial limitations stand in their way. I may not have much, but I am willing to share from what I have to help others move forward. The foundation represents my commitment to ensure that no deserving student loses the opportunity for education simply because they cannot afford the next step.