former Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Sunny Ohwefada, Dr Apoki exchanging pleasantry, while Olorogun Simeon Ohwofa watches with admiration during the filth year celebration lecture of Orogine Ohwofa Education Foundation

LAGOS JUNE 6TH (URHOBOTODAY)- As part of it’s activities to mark her five years anniversary, Orogine Ohwofa Education Foundation, OEF, a non governmental organization has awarded scholarships to fifteen indigent students of Uwheru kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The fifteen indigent students, 10 from the three secondary schools and 5 undergraduates were drawn from the five quarters that made up Uwheru kingdom.

Speaking at his country home in Ohoror, the sponsor and founder of the foundation Lagos based philanthropist, Chief Simeon Ohwofa said, “It is always a great pleasure when you call people together and they honour your invitation.

Olorogun Simeon Ohwofa delivering his speech

“Today is a special day in the sense that we are trying to begin again, we want to regenerate Uwheru and we must have this opportunity.

“The Orogine Ohwofa Education foundation has been on for five years successfully and as we want to start the 6th year, we want to take stock of how far we have gone, the impact we have made or the journey we have started can be continued.

Cross section of students

“I found out that most of us staying outside the community and our children are doing well but the fact is what about where we left, the people back home here, how are they doing and the reports was very disappointing.

“For no reason this clitche of Education is scam came and it is catching on the young ones and we said no, that should not be the case, we need to reverse back to Uwheru to tell the young ones that education is the only way forward.

Personalities present in the occasion

“When you are educated, you have confidence, you can go anywhere, you understand issues, you can differentiate witchcraft from science and because I understand science and know the difference between superstition and scientific understanding. You need to go to school and when you go to school, let the school pass through you and you pass through the school, learn, don’t just read and pass exams, learn character and when you learn that you can move forward.

“The scheme which started five years ago has  so far provided scholarship education to fifty secondary school and Twenty-five university students. Some of the beneficiaries have graduated from the universities and doing well in their various professions.  In Uwheru, there are five quarters.  The scholarship award is for two persons per quarter for secondary school  and  one person per quarter for university every year .

“As at today, we have run complete five years. If calculated, we have sponsored fifty secondary school students and  twenty -five in the university.  The yearly Scholarship Awards has now stabilized at Fifty Secondary School Student and Twenty-Five University Students on our yearly pay roll. We have fifty students in secondary school and twenty five in university every year starting from now on.

“In this five years, we have had people that has passed from the universities and anybody that is on our list are being tracked right from the day the got the scholarship to stand as mentor to them.

“In as much as you are Uwheru person, our doors are open for questions and guidance and if you are confused on what to study in school, we are available to direct and guide you for your future to be assured.

“The whole idea is to gather us together, review this work we have started and see how we correct if there is the need to do so and what we will do in the next five years. By the time we get to the 10th year anniversary, many of you may have been working and you can come here and stand out that you passed through this place. We want to be sure that at the end of the day, this foundation will outlive us  and those who will take it over, it will outlive them and so on,” he disclosed.

When asked why he was giving scholarships, Olorogun Ohwofa responded as follows, “People have different values. Some like building houses, others buying cars etc.  My believe is to grow human beings. Like they say,  if you want to eat in the next three months, plant something like groundnut.  If you want to eat six months time plant cassava, for five years time, plant oranges, mangoes.  But if you want to eat in fifty years, grow human beings, train human beings.  An educated and trained mind thinks about human development and progress. They are the best source of happiness,”

While delivering an inspirational speech,  a fellow of Chartered institute Of Bankers Of Nigeria (FCIB), Dr. Benson Uwheru, urged the students to be intentional, be relentless, be humble enough to learn but bold enough to lead.  Above all, he advised them never to forget their roots, adding that when they succeed, they reach back and lift someone else just as the Foundation is lifting them.

The event chaired by Prof Patrick Muoboghare featured Dr Charles Apoki as the guest speaker. Dignitaries at the event include, Prof Sunny Awhefeada, Prof Patrick Muoboghare, Dr Charles Apoki, Dr Samson Ogege,, School Principals and Teachers, Community leaders, clergymen and  students

For media advert placement, events coverage, media consultancy, placement of publications and further inquiries please WhatsApp 2348023773039 or email: labakevwe@yahoo.com