The founder of the Ernest Bebenimibo Foundation, EBF, Dcn. Ernest Bebenimibo, has recalled insinuations made by some persons about the nongovernmental organisation when its foundation was first laid five years ago in the native Okerenkoko Federated Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The EBF Founder made the revelation while addressing stakeholders during its fifth anniversary that held in the premises of the Okerenkoko Primary School on Monday, March 10, 2025.

Dcn. Ernest along with his wife, Mrs. Loveth Bebenimibo, said many thought the vision would come to an end after the flag-off but to the glory of God the NGO has rather made great impacts with support from its partners and collaborators.

"So many people thought it was political when we started. Some thought the vision will just die after the kick-off. But it was all inspired by the Holy Ghost, driven by passion.

"Every anniversary we celebrate by visiting orphanages and schools. This fifth year we decided to return to our roots. And so today, we are here to give you notebooks, school bags and mathematical sets," he said.

Dcn. Bebenimibo also gave a rundown of the achievements made by the EBF since its flag-off in 2020, stressing that it had transversed the states of Edo and Ondo, including Delta to assist the creek child with free learning materials.

He revealed that his experience as a pupil and as a student who lacked learning materials during his youth days inspired his desire to focus on education of the creek child, just as he urged the students to not abuse the privilege given to them but to ensure they put to proper use their free learning materials. He also appealed to parents to ensure their wards are in school when it is time for studies and not send them on trade or fishing errands.

In his response, Mr. Sunday Emor, the Principal of Okerenkoko Secondary School said, "This is about the third time EBF has come to distribute learning materials and wrappers to women. I urge the parents to pray for him so that God will continue to empower him to do more."

He called on other stakeholders to borrow leaf from the EBF especially as the schools in the riverine areas need more interventions, stressing that "Like most of us in the secondary school, we lack adequate learning materials especially as the population of students is increasing."

On her part, Mrs Bebenimibo thanked the EBF partners including Sir Tare Pondi who is the General Manager, Technical and Operations at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited; Hon. George Ekpemupolo who is the EBF's Board of Trustees Chairman; Engr. Michael Tonlagha among others.

Highlight of the programme was the distribution of learning materials such as branded notebooks, sharpeners, pencils, mathematical sets, to pupils and students by the EBF team as well as the giving out of clothing (wrappers) to the aged women in the riverine community.

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