UK-based Philanthropist, Charity Akanam Empowers Students with Educational Materials
…Launches Seeds of Greatness School Outreach
A United Kingdom-based philanthropist and education advocate, Mrs Charity Anietie-Akanam, has empowered more than 200 students with educational materials as part of efforts to promote learning and inspire young people in Akwa Ibom State.
The initiative tagged Seeds of Greatness School Outreach and carried out under her UK-registered company, TheGreaterYOU®, is designed to support indigent learners, promote girls’ education, and encourage self-belief among young people.
Registered under the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UK00003711972), TheGreaterYOU® is an empowerment and mentoring platform founded by Charity Anietie-Akanam.
The first phase of the outreach took place at Faith Tabernacle Congregation, Uruk Ata Nsidung, in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, on Sunday, October 12 where over 100 students received branded exercise books, pens, and motivational materials.
At Ikot Osukpong Ndot, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, another 100 students also received branded exercise books, and learning materials.
Speaking virtually from the United Kingdom during the launch, Akanam said the project was inspired by her personal experience and her belief in the power of education to transform lives.
“I was once told that children from broken homes couldn’t succeed. But faith, education, and resilience changed my story. Seeds of Greatness is my way of helping others change theirs. It’s not just about giving, it’s about building confidence, restoring faith, and shaping a generation that believes again,” she added.
Akanam, explained that the outreach aligns with her broader academic focus on reshaping Nigeria’s image through education and development narratives. She urged the students not to allow their background or circumstances to limit their potential.
“Study hard, look beyond your background, and build strong faith in God. Your background is not your future,” she advised.
Charity, who previously earned three degrees from three London-based- universities on a single NDDC scholarship, including a First-Class MBA from the University of East London, now serves as Global Campus Innovation Manager at UEL. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Nation Branding, with research focused on Nigeria’s image and development narrative.
At Faith Tabernacle Congregation, Elder Rufus Obot, who spoke on behalf of the church, described the outreach as “a divine answer and a delight to the congregation.” He recalled that Charity once worshipped in the church as a child and prayed for more blessings upon her life.
Similarly, the village head of Ikot Osukpong Ndot, Chief Mandu Onono II, commended the philanthropist for what he described as “a rare gesture of hope for young people and the first-ever school outreach for children in the village.”
“We are deeply grateful to our daughter, Charity, for remembering where she came from. These children will not forget this act of kindness. It has planted something powerful in their hearts,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Ukeme Sunday, who spoke on behalf of the students, said the materials would help them stay focused in school and ease the financial burden on their parents.
“I am very happy for the books and pens we received. They will help me stay in class and ease the burden on my parents. Thank you, TheGreaterYOU,” she said.