..As Eze Iweka III, PG, Others task Ndi Anambra to Emulate IEF, embrace Soludo's Private Public Partnership
By Uzo Ugwunze
A non- governmental organization, Igboebisi Empowerment Foundation (IEF) has given scholarships worth about 15 million naira for Secondary School Education to 22 school children drawn from the various primary schools located at Obosi community, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State.
In line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State Private Public Partnership(PPP) scheme, His Magesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka (Eze Iweka III of Obosi), President General,Obosi Development Union (ODU), Barr. Chimezie Obi, ODU Education Committee Chairman, Engr. Solomy Ochokwu, others also enjoined citizens to emulate IEF in supporting education, public schools, helping the less privileged children get a better life towards a better society adding that investment in children or human capital development is the greatest investment that will make a better society void of crime.
"Educate a child, you are
building a nation. You must not be an Old Boy or Girl from that public school
within your community before you invest towards their educational
welfare".
Presenting his welcome address,
Director IEF, Mr.Chijioke Ezeani said that the 22 beneficiaries include 16 best
pupils from the 14 primary schools located in Obosi community, a pupil that
built a kekenapep, another indigent school dropout who was discovered when he
came to help out his school bursar and 4 indigent pupils recommended by the
Vicar managing St Andrews primary school Obosi.
Ezeani said that the foundation
will take care of everything about their academics. "Funds for all
recommended Exercise books, Text books, uniforms, Registration fees, tuition
fees, back to school package, locker chair, full payments for Junior Secondary
School Certificate and Senior Secondary School WAEC Certificate Examinations
have been provided as long as the recipients continue to exhibit diligence and hard
work".
Speaking during the IEF 2024
Edition Obosi Primary School Academic Scholarship Award at the Obosi Town hall,
the Founder IEF, Dr Kene Igboebisi who was flanked by her mother, Dr. Mrs
Nonyelum Igboebisi said that the foundation which was initiated in memory of
their father Late Engr Igboebisi was all about empowering children,Youths and
girls in Obosi and in extension, Anambra and Nigeria, so as to change their
lives, help them move forward in life and become better citizens for a better
society.
"Do not wait for the government to do something for you, do something for yourself and the children around you, so that when they grow up they will remember that someone did something for them and they will do it for someone else, which is Pay it Forward Scheme".
"Education is the bedrock
of any society that desires change. This scholarships award is called 'Pay it
Forward Scholarship Scheme'. We empower brilliant children or less privileged
children to acquire quality education. If they do well after secondary school
education, the scholarship continues to University education, if the
beneficiary is performing well academically and is hardworking.
According to another IEF
Director, Dr Uche Chukwurah, paying it forward is a call to action that asks us
to go beyond ourselves. It’s more than just responding to kindness; it’s a
mindset that challenges us to create a legacy of generosity—one that outlives
our momentary interactions, shaping Obosi and the world at large long after
we’re gone. Let’s come together, to creat a world where kindness is not the
exception but the norm. You can offer a smile. Touching lives in Obosi and
beyond".
Moreover, PG Obosi who was
represented by ODU Secretary, Mr. Amala Egbuonye, advised the beneficiaries of
the scholarship scheme not to misuse the opportunity offered to them for the
acquisition of quality education in order to become somebody in life urging
more Obosi indigenes to emulate IEF, think home, support education and attract
meaningful development to Obosi community.
Deputy Chairman Idemili North
LGA, Lady Phina Onwuachu promised to support the foundation saying that PPP is
part of her manifesto before she assumed office urging others to contribute one
way or the other in the development of their community because government
cannot be everywhere at the same time.
A donor Rtd Col. Sam Agbanusi
(Rtd) decided to be part of sponsoring the indigent school dropout who came to
help his Bursar through his education saying he wants to give hope to the boy
and to let people know that someone's background or not having a godfather
cannot be a barrier to one becoming somebody in life.
Other donors include
Kosisochukwu Iweka's Child Development Foundation, Obosi Village Square
Initiative, and ODU Enugu Women's Wing.
Dignitaries from Obosi who are
lovers cum advocates of education and think home philosophy that graced the
event include Chairman of occasion/Patron, Chuka Chukwurah, Chief Alex Omezie
Chukwurah(Oshaa Obosi), Rtd AIG Nnaemeka Okeke, Prof Nnamdi Onyire, Barr. Oby
Ajaegbo, Prof.(Mrs) Ononye, Chairman
Ito-Ogbo Obosi,Mr. Chinedu Nwogem, Mrs Oby Agom(Principal of Union Secondary
School, Obosi) , Mrs. Arinze(Principal of CSS, Obosi).
They all appreciated the giant
efforts of IEF's Pay it Forward Scholarship Scheme urging other citizens of
Nigeria to replicate such generosity in various communities.
Highlights include viewing of a
documentary of Ito-Ogbo Obosi Ukwalla kingdom, cultural dance troupe
presentations by school children, scholarships award certificate presentations.
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