In a bold show of commitment to education and community development, the Ebidowei of Taraki Kingdom, High Chief Maxwell Diffre, has donated 30,000 notebooks to pupils and students across government schools in Patani Local Government Area.
The gesture, which marked the fourth edition of his annual educational support programme, took place on Thursday, at the Council Secretariat in Patani and was attended by top community leaders, government officials, and enthusiastic schoolchildren.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Diffre said the initiative was his way of giving back to society and supporting Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which prioritizes education and human capital development.
He noted that his passion for education stemmed from personal experience, recalling how similar interventions once shaped his own childhood.
“Education remains one of the bedrocks of national development,” he declared. “I have deemed it fit to continue supporting pupils and students in Patani LGA to ensure they actualize their dreams. By the grace of God, I will not relent, because I believe that when society gives to you, you must also give back.”
Chief Diffre further stressed that sustained investment in education was the surest way to secure the future of young people and empower communities in the Niger Delta.
The event was graced by the Chairman of Patani Local Government Council, Hon. Isaac Aguanah, who lauded Chief Diffre’s consistency and generosity, describing him as a true partner in grassroots development.
“What Chief Diffre has done today is remarkable,” Aguanah said. “This is not just about notebooks; it is about giving hope to children and investing in the future of Patani. I urge our pupils to make the best use of these materials to excel academically.”
Parents and teachers at the ceremony also hailed the intervention, noting that the annual donation has significantly reduced the burden of back-to-school expenses for families while boosting learning in the area.
The distribution, which has become a tradition since its inception, continues to reinforce Chief Diffre’s reputation as a philanthropist deeply committed to the welfare of his people, particularly the younger generation.
With thousands of pupils already benefiting from previous editions, this year’s donation once again underscored the power of community-led initiatives in complementing government efforts to transform education in Delta State.
