VIDEO: Ex-Anambra debate star turns bricklayer after mother’s death
August 14, 2026 12:13 am
Richard Abraham, who once represented Aguata Zone at the state level of the 2021 Governor’s Debate in Anambra State. Credit: Facebook | Joy Oñuchukwu Anopuechi
A young man, Richard Abraham, who once represented Aguata Zone at the state level of the 2021 Governor’s Debate in Anambra State, has recounted how the death of his mother forced him to abandon his education and take up menial jobs to survive.
Richard, described by a former teacher as one of the outstanding speakers at the competition, was reportedly given the title of “Honourable” by former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano in recognition of his performance.
However, his hopes of continuing his education were disrupted after his mother fell ill and subsequently died.
Richard’s story came to light after one of his former teachers, Joy Oñuchukwu Anopuechi, recently met him around the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, and asked what had happened to him since he left school.
Sharing his story on Facebook on Tuesday, Anopuechi described Richard as a “bright and promising” young man whose education was cut short by circumstances beyond his control.
“This is Richard Abraham, one of the students that represented Aguata Zone at the state level during the Governor’s Debate of 2021,” she wrote.
“Richard was one of the best speakers that they gave him the title of an ‘Honourable’. This title was given to him by His Excellency Willie Obiano before he stepped down as the governor of Anambra State.
“He speaks so well and his accent is on another level. Such a bright and promising young guy.”
According to Anopuechi, she lost contact with Richard after the debate and only recently discovered the circumstances that led to his disappearance from school.
She alleged that Richard became an orphan shortly after the competition and was left without support to continue his education.
According to her, Richard, who came from a polygamous home, was also allegedly forced out by some members of his extended family following his mother’s death.
“He did not write his WAEC when his mates did because there was no one to support him,” she wrote.
“He slept in uncompleted buildings, living on odd jobs just to survive.
“One spectacular thing was he didn’t turn to delinquent means, which could have been the easiest step. He has held on.”
Speaking during their reunion, Richard said his struggles began after his mother fell ill.
“Life kicked in,” he said when asked what happened after the debate.
When asked whether he eventually sat for his West African Senior School Certificate Examination, Richard replied, “I couldn’t. I lost my mum.”
He said he had planned to write the examination in 2023 but his mother’s illness changed the course of his life.
“I was supposed to write WAEC in 2023. That’s when my mum fell sick,” he said.
Richard explained that he began taking up different jobs to survive, starting with work at car washes.
“I started working at car washes first,” he said.
He added that he later took up other jobs, including working with organisations that cooked for ceremonies.
“I’ve been doing this. I’ll just say this is my survival instinct,” he said.
Richard is now said to be working as a bricklayer to earn a living while hoping for an opportunity to return to school and complete his secondary education.
His former teacher, while expressing sadness over his situation, praised him for surviving the hardship and remaining focused despite the setbacks.
“I know during our debates, you were one of the best speakers and they named you an honourable,” she told him.
“So, it was kind of surprising meeting you again and seeing this type of situation.
“The most important thing is that you are alive. You are strong. And then I know that the future holds something better than whatever we are seeing now.”
She added, “I am a proud teacher.”
Anopuechi has appealed to members of the public to support Richard, particularly in helping him register for his O’Level examinations and resume his education.
“Seeing such a rare talent wasting away in the slums is heartbreaking,” she wrote.
“Richard needs your help today. Please help us share or reach out. Let us prove to Richard that it is not over. He is just starting and he will finish well.”
Watch the video below:
𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐄𝐱-𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡
Credit: Facebook | Joy Oñuchukwu Anopuechi
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Hannah Johnson is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over three years of professional experience in reporting, storytelling, and digital content creation. She blends traditional reporting skills with a modern, digital-first approach to journalism, producing content tailored for both web and social platforms. Hannah is skilled at turning complex topics into clear, engaging, and relatable stories that resonate with a wide audience. Her work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism.
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