Says: “Education Is Not Expensive; Try Illiteracy”
ASABA, DELTA STATE — It was a moment of celebration, honour, and recognition as renowned educationist, philanthropist, humanitarian, and Catholic leader, Dame Henrietta Ifeoma Odume (DSG), received the African Game Changer Award and her official Nomination Letter for inclusion in the 2026 100 African Game Changers Compendium.
The prestigious recognition was presented by the Publisher of Fresh Facts Magazine, Comrade Monday Iyke Ojomah, on behalf of the Advisory Board, Editorial Board, and Management of the magazine in partnership with the African Network for Accountability (ANFA), Ghana.
The award ceremony celebrated Dame Odume’s outstanding contributions to education, humanitarian service, philanthropy, faith-based leadership, and community development, describing her as one of Africa’s inspiring women whose life has continued to transform individuals and communities.
Presenting the award, Ojomah said the occasion was more than a ceremonial event, noting that it was a celebration of an extraordinary woman whose life’s work has positively impacted thousands through education, charity, and unwavering service to humanity.
He explained that the 100 African Game Changers Compendium, published once every four years, honours one hundred exceptional Africans whose integrity, innovation, visionary leadership, and selfless service continue to shape the future of the continent.
According to him, selection into the publication follows an extensive process of research, assessment, and independent verification to ensure that only individuals with proven records of excellence and societal impact are honoured.
“Dame Henrietta Ifeoma Odume has distinguished herself as a transformational leader whose contributions to education, philanthropy, and faith-based service have earned her a rightful place among Africa’s most outstanding changemakers,” Ojomah said.
He praised her leadership as the Proprietress of Marble Hill Schools, describing the institution as one of Delta State’s leading private schools renowned for academic excellence, discipline, innovation, and holistic child development.
According to him, through her vision and commitment to quality education, the school has produced generations of disciplined, confident, and morally upright young people equipped to succeed in Nigeria and beyond.
Beyond education, the Publisher highlighted Dame Odume’s humanitarian legacy through the Marble for Charity Foundation for Childless Women, noting that for more than two decades she has consistently provided financial assistance, healthcare support, care, and hope to elderly, abandoned, childless, and vulnerable women.
He also acknowledged her immense contributions to the Catholic Church, which earned her the prestigious Papal Knighthood of Dame of St. Gregory the Great (DSG), one of the highest honours bestowed by the Holy See upon deserving lay Catholics.
“Dame Henrietta’s life demonstrates that true greatness is measured not by personal achievements alone but by the number of lives one transforms. She has successfully combined educational excellence, humanitarian service, philanthropy, and Christian leadership into a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations,” he stated.
Ojomah further disclosed that Dame Odume’s inspiring story will feature prominently in the second edition of the 100 African Game Changers Compendium, scheduled for official unveiling in Accra, Ghana, in November 2026, where distinguished leaders and changemakers from across Africa will converge.
Formally presenting the award and nomination letter, he congratulated Dame Odume on the well-deserved honour and prayed that her legacy of educational excellence, humanitarian service, philanthropy, and Christian leadership would continue to inspire Africa and generations yet unborn.
Award Recipient Expresses Gratitude
Responding after receiving the award and nomination letter, Dame Henrietta Ifeoma Odume expressed profound appreciation to Fresh Facts Magazine and the African Network for Accountability (ANFA), Ghana, for finding her worthy of the continental recognition.
She described the honour as both humbling and encouraging, saying it would further strengthen her commitment to serving God and humanity through education, philanthropy, and community development.
“I sincerely appreciate this recognition. It is an honour I do not take for granted. By the grace of God, I will continue to make myself available in the service of God and humanity and remain committed to touching lives through education and charitable works,” she said.
“Education Is Not Expensive; Try Illiteracy”
In an exclusive interview with Fresh Facts Magazine, Dame Odume reaffirmed her belief that quality education remains the greatest investment any family or nation can make, warning that the consequences of illiteracy are far more devastating than the financial cost of schooling.
“Education is not expensive; try illiteracy,” she declared.
She explained that her passion for education was shaped by her upbringing in a disciplined Catholic family.
Born into the family of the late Chief Lawrence Ashikodi and the late Mrs. Mary Ashikodi of Umuweke Quarters, Ibusa, Delta State, Dame Odume said her father combined faith with academic excellence in raising his ten children.
According to her, each day began with family prayers and lessons drawn from the lives of Catholic saints, while her father, an education officer, encouraged critical thinking by assigning essay topics to his children every morning before leaving for work.
“He believed education was the greatest inheritance any parent could leave for their children. By God’s grace, every one of us became university graduates,” she recalled.
She traced the origin of Marble Hill Schools to her early teaching experiences at Corona School and later at the Federal School of Arts and Science, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Her subsequent service in the Federal Inspectorate Division of the Ministry of Education, where she supervised schools across Nigeria, exposed her to educational best practices and inspired her to establish a school that would provide children with quality education in an ideal learning environment.
“When Delta State was created, I saw an opportunity to build a school that would offer children the kind of quality education I had always envisioned,” she said.
Commitment to Quality Education
Reflecting on the growth of Marble Hill Schools, Dame Odume acknowledged that the early years were challenging but attributed the institution’s success to quality infrastructure, qualified teachers, manageable class sizes, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
She revealed that each primary classroom accommodates about fifteen pupils with two teachers assigned to every class to ensure personalised learning and adequate attention for every child.
“Our teachers understand that every child is precious. The future of every child depends on the quality of guidance and teaching they receive,” she said.
She added that the school maintains a zero-tolerance policy against examination malpractice, insisting that students are taught to succeed through hard work, discipline, and integrity.
“Our students know that nobody will help them during examinations. They prepare well, believe in themselves, and that confidence distinguishes them wherever they go.”
Concerns Over Falling Educational Standards
While acknowledging the important role of private schools in Nigeria’s educational development, Dame Odume expressed concern over the proliferation of substandard schools operating without qualified personnel or adequate facilities.
She called on regulatory authorities to strengthen quality assurance mechanisms and ensure that only institutions meeting established standards are licensed.
“Not everyone should be licensed to establish a school. There should be minimum standards regarding infrastructure, learning environment, and professionally qualified teachers,” she said.
She also appealed to governments at all levels to create policies that support both public and private schools rather than imposing excessive financial burdens on educational institutions.
According to her, private schools remain major employers of labour and indispensable partners in national development.
The Strength Behind the Mission
Behind Dame Henrietta Ifeoma Odume’s outstanding achievements is the unwavering support of her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uche Odume, whose encouragement and partnership have played a significant role in her journey of service.
Together, the couple has built a family grounded in faith, education, and service, raising five children while supporting initiatives that have positively impacted countless lives. Their shared commitment to education and community development continues to inspire many, demonstrating the power of partnership in creating a lasting legacy.
Advice to Parents
Dame Odume urged parents to play more active roles in their children’s education beyond merely paying school fees.
She encouraged parents to attend school programmes, celebrate their children’s achievements, monitor their academic progress, and demonstrate genuine interest in their educational development.
“When children see that their parents value education, they become more committed to learning. Parents should never miss opportunities to encourage and celebrate their children’s progress,” she advised.
She maintained that Nigeria’s future depends largely on the quality of education given to today’s children, stressing that governments, schools, parents, and communities must work together to build an educated, productive, and morally responsible society.
For Dame Henrietta Ifeoma Odume, whose lifelong commitment has transformed thousands of young lives through education and humanitarian service, the mission remains unwavering—to provide every child with quality education, sound moral values, and the confidence to succeed anywhere in the world.
