From Oro
Chief J. O. Omuya Foundation has awarded scholarship, worth over N1.2 million to 20 students in the Central Senatorial district of kogi state, as its contribution toward helping indigents but brilliant students in secondary and tertiary institutions to realise their educational ambition.
The Chairman of the scholarship scheme, Prince Emmanuel Omadivi who presented the cheques to the beneficiaries at Oro in Okene Local Governmemt Area of the state, said the gesture was also Chief J O Omuya’s resolve to pay back to the society.
Going memory lane, Prince Omadivi said the foundation came into being six years ago, following the launch of the biography of Chief J 0 Omuya in February, 2014.
” The celebrant decided on that occasion to dedicate the proceeds from the launch to this Foundation.
“His bitter experiences in life informed his decision to help others who might be experiencing the same predicaments by way of this scheme, though he had for long been assisting the underprivileged privately.
“The Foundation, which was duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), has a 6 – member Board of Trustees and a 5 – member Selection and Monitoring Committee. The latter is responsible for the Scholarship Scheme.
“The scheme is currently restricted to Kogi Central Senatorial District, covering Secondary and Tertiary institutions. There is no discrimination in the awards in respect of candidates’ disciplines provided the laid down conditions are met.
“We wish to use this opportunity to advise prospective candidates for the annual awards to read the flyer very well before applying.
“Experience has shown that some students apply without the flyer to guide them. For avoidance of doubt, students in private schools or universities are not entitled to apply for the scholarship.
“The grants we offer are not enough to cover full education needs because of the meager resources available to the Foundation. The scheme is solely for brilliant
students, who may either be orphans or whose parents/guardians are incapacitated or handicapped financially.
“Prospective candidates are also to note that annual applications for the grants are done online, though there is an arrangement for those who may find it difficult to do so.
“Such candidates can collect copies of the flyer and the application forms from Afims Hotels, Oro, as soon as radio announcements have been made.
“As soon as our purse swells to a point that we find it difficult to lift, we will extend the awards to the entire state and where practicable to other parts of Nigeria.
“Skills acquisition is also part of this scheme. From a long list of skills we chose Ebira Cloth weaving and tyre patching business for this year’s awards. The recipients are to receive cash and equipment to assist them in their businesses.
“This year’s event involves existing and new beneficiaries who are expected to receive their cheques today.
“It has to be noted that those enjoying the scheme do so till the end of their courses provided they continue to excel.”
The Chairman of the scheme advised the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of the Foundation and plan how they too would give back to their fellow humans in future, when so blessed.
According to him, 64 students have passed through the scheme including 4 skills acquisition candidates who were given equipment for hair salon, shoemaking, tyre pumping machine and Ebira cloth weaving business.
A correspondent of The Reporters, an online publication, reports that the prominent indigenes of the district attended the occasion.
They include: Alhaji Isa Ozi Salami, the Ohi Otenyete of Ebiraland as Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Sule Aliu, the Ohiekura of Ebiraland, the Father of the day.
Others are: HRH, Alhaji Yakubu Yusuf,the Ohi of Okengwe/Okene as Royal Father of the day, Dr Emmanuel Onsachi, the Anglican Bishop of Okene Diocese, as Spiritual Father of the day. Alhaji Yusuf Ozi Usman, a journalist, author and Publisher, who was the Guest Speaker.
The four Ohis of Eika,Adavi, Ihima and Eganyi, Alhaji Musa Shaibu, former Genersl Manager, Ajaokuta Steel Company, Engr. Shuaibu Salami, former President General,Okengwe Development Association and Arc. Abdulkeen Mamman, a retired Director in the Federal Capital Territory also graced the event.
