DELTA State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has described the contributions of Monday Onyeme Foundation to the development of education as worthy of emulation by well meaning individuals and corporate organisations.
Speaking on Saturday at the presentation of cheques to undergraduates who were beneficiaries of Monday Onyeme Foundation’s scholarship scheme in Kwale, the governor emphasized that it was important for education to be encouraged by individuals and corporate organisations.
The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Mr Patrick Ukah, who spoke through Mr Michael Emeshili, assured that his administration would not relent in maintaining the tempo already set in the provision of infrastructure in schools.
“It is heartwarming to note that the Foundation has concluded plans to donate 1000 textbooks to 18 schools, that means, 18,000 textbooks; this is very encouraging and if ten persons can donate 1,000 textbooks to schools, it will go a long way to add to what the state government is doing to encourage education,
“The Foundation focuses on infrastructural development of school system in our state too; this will complement what we are doing to making our schools more conducive for learning.
“However, the event of today speaks volumes about the man, Onyeme, presenting cheques ranging from N100,000 to N200,000 to 194 undergraduates will certainly, assist the beneficiaries in meeting with their educational needs,” Okowa said.
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Juan Guvnor, said, “this programme has become customary, it has become a festival that we look forward to annually, I congratulate the beneficiaries as this gesture will cushion the burden of education on parents.”
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman, House Committee on Education, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Charles Emetulu, , Hon. Azuka Azaka and Hon. Timi Tonye, lauded the initiative and assured that they will support the programme.
Earlier, Chief Onyeme said, “I want to first of all, appreciate everyone of you for finding time to witness this occasion.
“Monday Onyeme Foundation was started few years back with the aim of promoting excellence in education; we encourage our children to do well in academics; the Foundation also engages in the renovation of schools, provide school desks, chairs and distribute books, and writing materials.
“In the next few weeks, we will provide 1000 textbooks each to 18 schools in Ndokwa nation.
“Few years ago, 60 undergraduates benefitted from the scheme, last year we provided for 160 students and this year, we gave to 164 undergraduates – 61 from Ukwuani, 78 from Ndokwa West and 55 from Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
“The scheme is growing and we encourage more people to key in as Chief Lucky Ossai, paid for five beneficiaries.”
Onyeme thanked the students for participating in the programme, asserting, “we are doing this to encourage you so that our tomorrow will be good.
“I encourage you to work hard so that you will do more; the money is to pay fees and buy educational materials, it is not for fun, if you can use it to buy one or two textbooks, it will make a lot of difference.”
High point of the occasion which was also, attended by the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ndokwa West chapter, Ogbuefi Lucky Okwuji was the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries.
