From the Streets to Law School: Obi Cubana’s Promise Fulfilled On Ebonyi Hawker

What started as a viral moment of kindness on the streets of Lagos has ended in triumph. Ekuma Jeremiah Iziogo, popularly known as Jerry the hawker, has graduated with a Law degree, fulfilling a three-year-old promise made by billionaire businessman and philanthropist Obinna Iyiegbu, better known as Obi Cubana.

Jerry first came into the spotlight in January 2022 when a video showed him handing ₦100 notes to inmates in a Nigerian Correctional Service van in Ajah, Lagos. His act of generosity, despite being a street hawker, caught the attention of many Nigerians. Among them was Obi Cubana, who, during a live session with broadcaster Ifedayo Olarinde (Daddy Freeze), pledged to sponsor Jerry’s university education.

At the time, Jerry had dropped out of the Faculty of Law, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), due to financial constraints. With Cubana’s intervention and support from others, his admission was reinstated, and he returned to school. Obi Cubana promised to sponsor his education up to Master’s level if Jerry chose to pursue it, and provided mentorship and financial support throughout his studies. Broadcaster Daddy Freeze and other well-meaning Nigerians also lent encouragement along the way.

Now, three years later, Jerry has graduated with a law degree as part of the Class of 2025. Reacting to the news on Instagram, Obi Cubana celebrated Jerry’s achievement: “On 19th January 2022 when the offers were placed before you, you chose education! You made the best choice, today you are a 2025 law graduate!! You could have chosen to take the money and walk away to a temporal comfort and live for the moment, but you were wise to choose education! Today you have both education and the money, and more ahead!!! Congratulations Jerry, the world is yours!!!”

Jerry’s story is being hailed as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of opportunity. His small act of kindness on the streets has not only rewritten his destiny but also inspired countless others. With a law degree in hand, Jerry’s next chapter remains open — whether in legal practice, advocacy, or another field. But his journey already stands as proof that acts of generosity, combined with determination, can change lives.