By Praise Chinecherem
A total of 250 pupils and students have received scholarship awards from the IG Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation.
The awards, the third Education and IGAHAF Seminar and fifth phase of Scholarship Award ceremony brought the total persons on the scholarship scheme of the foundation to 670.
The 2024 Education Seminar and Scholarship Awards Ceremony of the foundation held at International Convention Center, Awka, saw Victoria Omumatu, Chisom Nwankwo and Precious Obasi going home with a cash prize of N350,000 and latest versions of laptop each for their exceptional performances.
Speaking during the event, Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh appreciated Chief Aguowo for keying into the Public Private Community Partnership of the state government through his humanitarian works in the society.
She described him as a man whose wealth has value, noting that he understands that children are the future and if they are not captured young the society will end in catastrophe.
She said, “Immediately Governor Chukwuma Soludo assumed office and noticed the need in the education sector, he declared a state of emergency in the sector by employing over 8000, ending the era of no teachers in Anambra Schools.
“Governor Soludo’s initiative of involving the private sector in making Anambra State a livable and prosperous homeland has today received a major boost.
“I call on other spirited individuals in the state to emulate this rare generosity to support efforts of the Soludo-led administration in offering students in the state quality and affordable education,” she said.
Chairman Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon Anayo Okpalaeke commended the winners of National Innovation Competition 2024 from CKC and Chief Aguowo for recognizing and appreciating them.
He expressed optimism that the recognition would spur them to do more.
Earlier, Executive Director of IGAHAF, Mrs Gloria Abanihe explained that the foundation was established with a clear vision to bridge the educational gap and provide opportunities for talented and deserving students to achieve their dreams.
She urged the award recipients to carry with them the values of hard work, integrity and service as they embark on this academic journey.
Traditional ruler of Nibo Community, Igwe Michael Ngene spoke highly of Chief Aguowo for his philanthropic works to the society’s poor through education and health, and prayed God to bless him immensely even as he also thanked all that graced the occasion.
In his remarks, Chairman on the occasion, Chief Innocent Akuvue described the day as exceptional which history will never forget, noting that the benefactor has taken his responsibility beyond imagination and added that the prayers of his beneficiaries will keep sustaining him
The Keynote Speaker, Barrister Nwando Obiano described Aguowo as a pointer of what a dream can be if properly channelled, saying out of the resources God gave to him he chose to give back to the society through his foundation and advised the recipients to guard their scholarships jealously even as they make the best of the opportunity given to them, proving to the benefactor that they are worthy of the scholarship given to them.
Founder of the foundation, Chief Ignatius Aguowo promised to continue to do his best supporting state government even as he congratulated the beneficiaries, asking them to ensure that they make the foundation proud.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Faith Ifeoma on behalf of the awardees, appreciated IGAHAF for its generous support and commitment to education and healthcare, saying that receiving the scholarship is not just a financial aid for them but also stands as a beacon of hope and a pathway to realizing their dreams.
The occasion attracted beneficiaries, their parents, political appointees, captains of industry, religious leaders led by Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, traditional rulers and lovers of education.
Highpoints of the occasion were award presentation to awardees, winners of National Innovation Competition 2024, IGAHAF Best performing beneficiaries. IGAHAF Reading presentation, IGAHAF Ballet, Documentary among others also featured during the ceremony.
