Students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria have been advised to face their studies in other to achieve academic excellence, as well as shun bad company and habits that could ruin their ambition of acquiring quality education and cause pain to their parents and the community.
Those were the words of Dr. Kpamioseh Ogbechie, President, Anioma Association USA, Georgia Chapter, in his welcome address at the 5th annual Anioma Association USA, Georgia scholarship awards and presentation of cheques which took place on Thursday, 31, January 2018 at The Bureaucrat House, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Delta State Branch, Mariam Babangida Way, Asaba, Delta State.
The three students who successfully scaled the scholarship criteria for the 2018 edition, are Miss. Chukwufumnanya Elikwu, from Ibusa, with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.56 in 200 Level Medicine and Surgery, studying in Lagos State University; Mr. Otitodilichukwu Esennwa, from Idumu-Isime, with a GPA of 4.54 in 200 Level Pharmacy, studying in University of Lagos and Miss. Maryann Obiageli Enebeli, from Aboh, with a GPA of 3.71 in 300 Level Education Psychology, studying in University of Port Harcourt. And each of the three students received a grant of One Hundred Thousand Naira and a certificate during the awards ceremony.
Ogbechie who was represented by Mr. Godfrey C. Osakwe, Coordinator of the scholarship awards ceremony said that the annual scholarship programme is one of the association’s social investments and human capital development programmes for the people of Anioma and Delta State in general. “We are not unmindful of the challenges of living in Nigeria, hence members of Anioma Association, Georgia USA, as a way of social contract with the people, decided on this initiative among others, to encourage academic excellence and productive ventures among the youths for a better and prosperous Anioma and Delta State in general Ogbechie reiterated.
And to sustain the quality human capital in Anioma and Delta State, he called on all Anioma people at home and abroad, friends, well-wishers and Nigerians in general to support and partner Anioma associations towards making the Anioma land a better place for all. Ogbechie also commended members of the association for their selfless service to the Anioma people; and the donors for their financial sacrifices, Mrs. Perpetua Uwechue, Chairperson of the 2018 scholarship committee for her commitments and Mr. Godfrey C. Osakwe, the Coordinator of the awards ceremony for his tireless efforts leading to the success records of the awards ceremony.
Dr. Comrade Lucky Edewor, State Secretary, ASCSN and Special guest of honour, highlighted the importance of education to the development of every society, and applauded the Anioma association for the vision of the scholarship programme. He admonished the recipients and other Nigerian youths to focus more on their education which is the surest way to achieve success in life.
Edewor emphasized that no nation can make meaningful progress without proper investment in the development of human capital of its citizens. He advised the youths to shun the ephemeral things of life, but to develop themselves in learning and character, as a panacea for lasting joy and open doors.
Mrs. Perpetua Uwechue, Chairperson of the 2018 scholarship committee in her remarks, noted that the selection process was rigorous and thorough, as the applicant’s submissions went through various vetting and screening. She stated that the three recipients excelled in all the categories set for the 2018 awards, which include good communication and writing skills, good academic excellence and attestation of good moral character among others.
“You have made us proud with your remarkable achievements! – by attaining academic excellence in your respective fields of study and being exemplary members of your communities Uwechue enthused.
Comrade Florence Ngozi Nwabuonwu, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Finance and Vice Chairman, NUJ Delta State Information Chapel, commended the association for the scholarship initiative; which aimed to give succour to Anioma Students in institutions of higher learning by encouraging their educational pursuits.
Speaking further, Nwabuonwu posited that education remains the key that unlock doors of opportunities, and it gives the knowledge of the world around us. She urged the recipients to be good ambassadors of Anioma, Delta State, Nigeria and their family.
Expressing their appreciation, the three recipients took time to extol the virtue of Anioma Association, Georgia USA, for thinking home in form of scholarship grants to assist in the educational advancement of Anioma students studying in Nigeria universities. They however, pledged to maintain the academic standards that earned them the scholarship awards and good moral character.
Interested participants from 200 Level and above are advised to look out for information for the 2019 scholarship award on www.aniomageorgia.org.
The event was anchored by Mr. Joseph Joweigha, CEO of ExactEdge Ltd., and was attended by undergraduate students from Delta State University, Anwai campus and National Association of Ibusa Students (NAIBS). Also, present is Miss. Tessy Esther Ohen, Managing Director, Estessi Lautet Event Concepts and others.
Note: Photo Captions
L-R: Miss. Chukwufumnanya Elikwu of Lagos State University, Mr. Otitodilichukwu Esennwa of University of Lagos and Miss. Maryann Obiageli Enebeli of University of Port Harcourt display their certificates and prototype cheques.