By Izunna Okafor, Awka
An Anambra-born philanthropist and MD/CEO of Walata Consults and Services Ltd., Hon. Stanley Nwabueze Okafor, has continued to etch his name in gold through his consistent acts of philanthropy and unmatched passion for youth development, as he was recently honoured with the naming of a newly-established sports house after him at the prestigious of Utuh High School, Utuh, in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the State.
The new house, named WALATA HOUSE in recognition of his selfless services to humanity, was officially unveiled on Wednesday at the school premises, amid applause, commendations, and expressions of goodwill from staff, students, and community stakeholders.
In reciprocation and appreciation of this honour, Hon. Okafor also generously donated complete sportswear to fully kit members of the newly-unveiled house, alongside a cash donation he also made to the school to support the smooth running and preparation of the house ahead of the school’s upcoming inter-house sports competition.
The event, which drew attention to the importance of youth engagement through sports and community involvement, further beamed forth light of Hon. Okafor’s commitment to educational growth, talent development, and capacity building, especially among young people in his country home and beyond.
Speaking with this reporter on what may have prompted the school to bestow such a befitting recognition on him, the Walata Boss humbly attributed the honour to his consistent philanthropic gestures and community-driven initiatives, which have made palpable impacts across the constituency. According to him, the naming of the house in his honour is not just a personal milestone, but a call to greater service and an inspiration to remain steadfast in touching lives and building a better society.
He dedicated the recognition to the resilient youths of Utuh community, whose drive and aspirations, he said, constantly motivate him to do more. He also restated his belief that genuine development must be people-oriented and purpose-driven, noting that empowering the younger generation remains one of the most sustainable ways to secure a brighter future for any society.
Listing some of his recent philanthropic strides, Hon. Okafor recalled how, in January 2024, he sponsored the JAMB registration of 20 deserving students from Utuh and the entire Nnewi South Constituency I, to ease the financial burdens on their families and promote education. He further highlighted his February 2024 initiative, where he paid the First School Leaving Certificate Examination and Common Entrance Examination registration fees for 62 children drawn from 31 government-owned primary schools within the constituency, stressing that no child should be denied basic education because of poverty.
In the same vein, he referenced his landmark empowerment of over 500 women and young persons in agriculture—an intervention he described as a strategic move to reduce unemployment and improve food security in the area. The Walata CEO also pointed out his role in facilitating medical support programs and healthy living sensitization campaigns for villagers, aimed at promoting community wellness and preventive healthcare.
Other laudable initiatives he mentioned included his sponsorship of the 2024 Utuh Youth Festival, the singlehanded renovation of the palace of the traditional ruler of Utuh, as well as the distribution of school bags and exercise books to pupils in 32 primary schools across Nnewi South Constituency I, all of which have attracted widespread admiration and commendation.
Hon. Okafor emphasized that he does not engage in philanthropy for showmanship or political gain, but out of a genuine passion to give back to society and inspire others to do same, adding that there is no greater joy than seeing lives transformed through one’s efforts.
Speaking at the event, the Principal of Utuh High School, Mrs. Uchenna Obiajulu, described Hon. Okafor as a rare gem and an exemplary role model for the younger generation. She commended his thoughtful gestures and timely support to the school, noting that his name would remain etched in the annals of the school’s history as one who not only accepted the honour bestowed on him but also gave back graciously to the school community.
According to the school principal, “This is not just about naming a house after someone; it is about recognizing true leadership, consistent support, and someone who has walked the talk. Hon. Okafor has always been there for us, not just today, but over time, and we are deeply grateful.”
In their separate reactions, the House Master of WALATA HOUSE, Mr. Nsoani Livinus, and the House Mistress, Mrs. Eze Victoria, jointly extolled the philanthropist’s generosity and expressed immense gratitude for his thoughtful donations. They pledged to ensure that members of the house embody the values of hard work, excellence, and discipline which Hon. Okafor represents, and vowed to lead the house to a victorious debut in the forthcoming inter-house sports competition.
The official unveiling of the WALATA HOUSE banner, as well as the presentation of the full sportswear and financial donation by Hon. Okafor formed the high points of the event, amidst wild applause, solidarity song and jubilant cheers from both the staff and the students of the school.
More photos from the event:
