By Okee Sydney-Obiukwu & Felix Okocha, In Lagos
When we do what destiny has cut-out for us to do, there is no struggle, because the interest comes from a natural disposition. And so does philanthropy come as second nature to Mrs. Cecilia Okachi, a seasoned school administrator and the proprietress of Simmic Group of Schools located in Abarenge suburb area of Lagos State.
As a proof of Mrs. Okachi’s philanthropic heart, so far; well over a hundred scholarships has been given by the academic institution, with special consideration made for children from the schools’ catchment area.
She states further that, “ in fact, it was the nagging need in my heart to give education to the poorest cadre of society, that inspired me to set up private academic institution.”
Mrs. Okachi presently rounding off a doctorate degree programme in education management at South American University, goes on to state that, besides Mrs. Beatrice Buwa, the first woman permanent secretary in Nigeria, who her father served as gardener, her next biggest career inspiration is her husband Mr. Okachi from Ogoja in Cross River State. Mrs. Cecilia, a completely detribalized Nigerian as her staffers origin clearly show, is from Owerri LGA, in Imo State.
As we rounded off this interview at her sparsely furnished primary school office, she enthused in response to a question that, “ I will like to see Simmic Schools blossom into a polytechnics, just like Ronik International Schools has accomplished.”