Jerry Ekuma, the satchet water hawker, who became famous in January 2022 after he was filmed handing out money to prisoners inside a Black Maria, has graduated from the Faculty of Law at Ebonyi State University.
Ekuma’s spontaneous act of kindness endeared him to many Nigerians then, including billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Obi Cubana, who stepped in to sponsor his return to university after the video went viral.
In the viral clip, Ekuma was seen slipping cash to prisoners being transported in a correctional service vehicle, popularly known as a Black Maria, while hawking ratchet water in Lagos.
Ekuma shared pictures of his signing out and graduation via his Instagram handle on Monday.
Reflecting on his journey in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday, he wrote, “Today, a journey that started with little or no hope of crossing the finish line has come to an amazing end. A raw but naked hope of becoming a lawyer that I had. How the hope crashed and how I started again, even in a bigger and better way, through the invaluable support of the good people of Nigeria. A journey not devoid of normal University ups and downs. Falling and getting up every now and then knowing that I can’t afford to disappoint the world. It was five years of diverse experiences.
“Today, by the grace of God, the final curtain has been drawn and I’m happy y’all walked this path with me. I can’t appreciate your candid supports enough. A true testament of your philanthropy and services to humanity. Thank you for making my dream a reality. For keeping to all your promises.”
