Participants at the event.
.Founder marks 50th birthday
By Valentine Amanze
A non-governmental organisation, Dr Chioma Awuzie Foundation (DCAF), has granted scholarship to 17 indigent students of the tertiary institutions in Anambra State, as the founder celebrates 50th birthday.
The students were drawn from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam and the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
Other lucky recipients as announced on Friday are from Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu, Federal College of Education, Umunze and Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe.
On the kind gesture, Dr Chioma Awuzie, the convener of the foundation, explained that the annual Scholarship Scheme and and Charity Programme was to mark her 50th birthday.
Also read: Soludo’s roads’ rehabilitation programme in Anambra
Awuzie, also the director, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Okopoly, said that the scholarship was geared towards promoting access to quality education and improving lives of indigent students.
She said that over 50 students had benefited since the inception of the scholarship scheme.
“For this year, the 17 beneficiaries will get cash support to allow them pursue their academic dreams without worrying about any financial burden for the session.
“Beneficiaries were selected from a poll of nominees by heads of public tertiary institutions in the state.
“We also distributed food items, foot wears, raincoats and clothing materials to students and residents of the polytechnic.
“I congratulate the recipients of this year’s scholarship award and I encourage them to use the funds judiciously,” she said.
Besides, Awuzie urged wealthy individuals, corporate organisations local and international donors to support the foundation in the quest to better the lives of youths and women.
Also, Dr Francisca Nwafulugo, the rector, Okopoly, commended the foundation for investing in the educational aspirations of the youths, especially the financially vulnerable.
Nwafulugo, who was represented by the Deputy Rector, Administration, Dr Ken Ezekwe, urged well-meaning individuals to emulate DCAF by using their wealth and resources to add value and meaning to the lives of the underprivileged.
“I am urging the benefiting students to use the grant judiciously to become self-reliant and be able to help others in future,” she said.
In his remarks, Prof. Moses Chendo, President, Chemical Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the event, appreciated Awuzie for her investment in human empowerment and development.
“Her project is laudable because she understands that the future is in the hands of the youths and they need all the support to become responsible citizens in the country,” he said. One of the beneficiaries, Miss Awele Okocha, thanked the convener of the foundation for supporting their dreams and aspirations.
valoa2000@yahoo.com
