By Ukah Dave
The Mbam Stanley Lebechi, MSL Foundation has awarded scholarship
to 30 indigent undergraduates of Abakaliki origin studying in various universities across the country.
The beneficiaries received a cheque of N120,000 each.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony in Abakaliki, the founder of MSL foundation and the state Commissioner for Works Engr Stanley Lebechi Mbam said the scholarship scheme which is in line with the core vision and mandate of the foundation will continue as long as he lives.
Mbam said the foundation believes that education is the passport to the future and investment in knowledge that will yield the greatest dividends for mankind
He called the beneficiaries of the scholarship to make use of the opportunity for better tomorrow.
“The society is becoming tougher every day. When we look at the challenges we face in raising our children, I was motivated because my people lack this education. And the only way we can assist the world and live up to the expectation where the reason why God asked us to come and stay in this earth is to represent him and be an ambassador of Christ.
“And by that, he demolished us to love our brothers and sisters. And that is the love that we have extended to indigenous people of Abakaliki especially the youth. The youth are for the tomorrow, but we have to lay a foundation.
“This is the foundation we are laying now because I know that education is the key to everything we do. And if us, based on the things that God has given to us, we extend the love and lay this foundation on the life of our youth. Me being a youth, I know the implication.
“And having passed through some hurdles during my academic session, I lost my father when I was still in school and I know it all by God's grace. I didn't enjoy this benefit, but God saw me through in that way.
“I felt it's necessary that I should look down to the less privileged who are willing to go to school, who don't have the funds to pay for their tuition fees and this is what we do”.
He commended the State governor Chief Francis Nwifuru for his support and for creating the enabling environment that allowed the foundation's scholarship initiative to flourish.
Wife of the state governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, Chairman of the scholarship foundation, Mbam Ogodo, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Odo and Chairman of Abakaliki local government, Ebere Nwogba commended Mbam for the scholarship.
They opined that the scholarship will reduce illiteracy in Abakaliki local government and urged the beneficiaries to make use of the opportunity and acquire education.
Mrs. Nwifuru represented by wife of Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mrs.Nkechiynyere Echiegu, warned that any of the beneficiaries who plays with his or her studies, would be removed from the scholarship scheme.
She lamented that Abakaliki local government was having low literacy and expressed the hope that the scholarship will change the situation.
One of the beneficiaries, John Okechukwu, who studying Medicine and owing tuition fees, lauded the Commissioner for the scholarship.
He disclosed that he has gone through a lot looking for fund to clear his tuition fees and almost gave up until his name was listed as one of the beneficiaries.
He promised to judiciously utilized the opportunity to make Mbam proud, describing him as his savior.
Post a Comment