Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
Abia Governor, Alex Otti has announced an increase in the Alex Otti foundation Scholarship package to beneficiaries from one hundred and fifty thousand naira to two hundred and fifty thousand.
A total of 34 beneficiaries were selected for this year’s edition while over 200 others have already benefitted from the scholarship scheme since it’s inception 7 years ago.
Gov. Otti who made the offer public during the 2022 -2023 Alex Otti Scholarship banquet held in Umuahia the state capital on Saturday.
He pledged to continue his support to beneficiaries to enable them achieve their full potential.
The governor disclosed that the scholarship scheme which started many years ago but formalized seven years ago is modelled in such a way that beneficiaries do not need to know anyone to succeed.
He pointed out that the foundation has no relationship with Abia state government even as he said that there is a line between the Abia state finances and Alex Otti’s foundation.
He said, “This scholarship initiative is a way of investing in the future generations, therefore beneficiaries should not to disappoint us but rather put in their best to excel.
“As you the scholarship programme targets bright but indigent Students of Abia Origin or those resident in the state.
“In order encourage our scholars the more we have increased the package given to beneficiaries from one hundred and fifty thousand naira to two hundred and fifty thousand”.
Gov Otti used the forum to appreciate the management committee of the scholarship scheme for their input and for remaining objective to the vision of the foundation without compromise.
In his speech,the deputy chief of staff to the Governor and immediate past executive secretary of the foundation Mr Chinedu Ekeke, said the selection process was transparent, adding that the scholarship award is just an arm of the Alex Otti foundation which has continued to empower the citizens.
He thanked thehe governor for giving himself for the venture,adding that the Governor never plays politics with excellence .
Ekeke urged the beneficiaries to maintain high standard in education,pointing out that the foundation made sure that beneficiaries must come from public tertiary institutions.
In his remarks, the Chairman planning committee and Head , logistics ,Mr Maxell Umesi on behalf of the beneficiaries of the 2023 batch thanked Governor Alex Otti for giving them the latitude to conduct the selection process transparently , noting that all beneficiaries were selected based on merit.
He noted that the foundation has over the years produced about 6 first class students ,noting that the Governor is determined to building a generation of accomplished individuals who would continue to do great in their chosen fields and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the foundation and state at large.
Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries one of the first class graduates ,Mr Kelvin Ikeoha thanked Gov. Otti for giving them a future through the foundation and pledged to also give back to the society.
The event was attended by the wife of the Governor, Priscilia and other dignitaries.