Kogi Deputy Governor, Onoja charge students on hard work »

…as 26 first class graduates each gets N500,000 award.

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja has encouraged students to always work hard to achieve excellence in their studies noting that such attainment was only for peculiar people.

He similarly urged well to do persons in the society to ensure vast investment in education as such remained a means through which they could leave enduring positive legacies.

The Deputy Governor made this known on Tuesday during the presentation of scholarship worth 500,000 naira each to 26 first class graduate beneficiaries through the Igala Education Foundation.

He noted that the Foundation which was set up about 20 years ago by late Prof. Fransis Idachaba has continued to play a crucial role in serving as an encouragement to excellent performing students from the Igala region.

The deputy governor asserted that what sponsored his passionate involvement in the course was the believe that such gesture would go a long way to boost student’s morale to aim for excellence in their academics.

He opined that if such gesture had been consistent in the last 20years of the existence IEF, the region would by now, boast of reputable academia in various field of endeavor.

The Deputy Governor used the medium to appreciate all the donors, particularly the executive Governor of the State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for their decision to invest in the academic success story of the beneficiary

Chief Edward urged all other regions to emulate this feet so as to collectively improve Kogi’s status to a fountain of knowledge while he promised that such gesture would continue even on an increased capacity.

The Honourable member representing Idah Federal Constituency, Hon. David Zachariah on behalf of the donors pointed out that it was such a privilege to give to such cause.

He pointed out that further efforts would be made to facilitate employments for the beneficiaries so they could continue to fly the flag of the region wherever they are found.

Kogi State Commisioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones noted that what happened through the Igala Education Foundation was a huge investment in the education sector in Kogi State, which should be replicated across board.

He advised the beneficiary to make use of the opportunity they have been presented with and ensure that they continue to be good ambassadors of the Igala nation wherever they find themselves.

The Executive Director of the Foundation, Prof. Joseph Omade who was full of gratitude noted that the foundation, since 2004 gave N70,000 naira scholarship each to excellent students of Igala extraction from various institution across the country, adding that in December 2019, the Deputy Governor historically raised the scholarship award to 500,000 naira at the foundation’s annual summit and gave the commitment to get other persons on board to actualize the promise.

He praised the Deputy Governor for the gesture which he described as ‘unprecedented’, and called on all well meaning Igala sons and daughters to join hands in encouraging academic excellence.