By Ovat Abeng
A total of 250 exceptional students across the 36 states of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory FCT-Abuja in both secondary, tertiary, polytechnic and school of nursing have benefitted from scholarships award of I.G Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation (IGAHAF).
Speaking during the award ceremony held at the International Convention Centre Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Friday, the founder of the foundation, Chief Ignatius Aguowo, said the establishment of the foundation was a little way of putting smiles on the faces of citizens and giving back to the society.
According to him “It is true that we are in difficult times, but we shall continue to make determined efforts to better the lives of the less privilege people around us.
“The I. G. Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation was established with a a clear vision; to bridge the educational gab and provide opportunities for talented and deserving students to achieved their dreams in life. We firmly believe that education is the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society. It is the key that unlocks the door to a brighter future, not just for individuals, but for the entire communities and our nation at large.
“The scholarship program we are celebrating today is more than just a financial award, it is an investment for the future. And by providing these scholarships, we are not only alleviating the financial burden on deserving students and their families, but we also encouraging a culture of academic rigor, perseverance and community service. Our scholars are chosen not just for their academic achievements but for their character, resoluteness and their potential to become change-makers in the society.
Agougwo noted that the foundation is taking its humanitarian activities beyond Anambra State, the south east region and Nigeria.
On her address, the executive director of the foundation, Mrs Gloria Ugonnia Abanihe, said each of the young scholars has demonstrated remarkable dedication to their studies and a profound commitment to their personal growth and development, while ensuring they kept faith in their desire for better education.
She noted that the 2024 edition is the fifth phase of scholarship of the foundation.
Mrs Abanihe also noted that with the new 250 beneficiaries, the foundation will from today, August 30th, 2024 have a total of 670 beneficiaries ranging from primary, secondary, tertiary, polytechnic and school of nursing whose tuition fees will continue to be paid by the foundation until they all graduate from Universities.
In his remark while declaring the event open, the State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo commended the founder of the foundation, Chief Ignatius Aguowo, for keying into his vision of making Anambra a state with no record of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, assured him of his continue support to ensure a better society.
In his goodwill message, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress APC and a friend to the benefactor, Engr. Chief JohnBosco Onuokwo, at the event while contributing to the gesture a sum of 1.5 million naira, admonished the beneficiaries to make good used of the opportunity to study hard to actualized their potentials in life.
The Paradise News gathered that the event which has in attendance the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, the Traditional ruler of Nibo community, Igwe Ezike, the event keynote speaker, Dr Mrs Nwanlo Obiano and the State House of Assembly members also feature award presentation to 2024 IGAHAF entrance examination best performing candidates with cash prizes of N350, 000 and a laptop each to the winners; Victoria Omumatu (primary school category), Chisom Hilary Nwankwo (Junior Secondary School category) and Obasi Precious Onyinye (Senior Secondary School category) respectively.
