From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
People from all walks of life gathered at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, the Anambra State capital, recently for the 2nd Education/IGAHAF Seminar.
The event was also the fourth phase of the scholarship award ceremony by I. G. Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation founded by Ignatius Aguowo.
Every year, the foundation offers scholarships to the less privileged pupils and students to enable them acquire quality education in various schools of their choice.
It also offers health support to deserving individuals who hitherto would not be able to afford their required medical services.
For this year, a total of 100 beneficiaries were selected after a thorough selection process, according to the foundation; bringing the total number of the beneficiaries to 345.
In fact, the three best performing candidates in this year’s entrance examination were given a cash reward of N100,000 each to encourage them to study harder going forward.
They are: Ezechi Esther Onyebuchi who scored 96 per cent, Kamsiyochukwu Ikechukwu Afam-Okoye (95 per cent) and Amarachi Divinefavour Nwana (95 per cent).
For the 2022/2023 best performing beneficiaries, Chukwuemeka Onyedika Daniel and Victor Chiemelie Divine were given N250,000 each. While Chukwuemeka got an annual cumulative average of 96.83 per cent, Victor trailed him with 90.60 per cent.
IGAHAF, it was gathered, started sometime in December 2019 “with a passionate idea and concept that focused particularly on helping the less privileged.”
Between that period and Mach 2020, ideas were put together by some people, some of who later became the major trustees of the foundation; and the founder, later on, “moved into action and began implementing some of the ideas that have so far brought relief to several individuals and beneficiaries.
“Before being registered by the CAC of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the foundation had already selected 60 beneficiaries to commence the first phase of its academic scholarship program”, an article about the organisation partly reads.
It adds that the organisation is involved in numerous projects aimed at improving the lives of the young people. These projects, according to it, span across health, academic and local community support among others.
“We have been able to support our immediate community in multiple other projects as well, providing socioeconomic and educational empowerment to the deprived in our society.
“Our organisation aims at making life more meaningful for the deprived community and the less privileged individuals.
“An essential part of our foundation targets more at ensuring that our beneficiaries and communities get access to quality healthcare resources that are cost effective with pre-established qualities,” it said further.
Delivering his welcome address, the founder/chairman, Board of Trustees of the foundation, Chief I.G. Aguowo, said that the ceremony was an important event within the framework of the foundation’s objectives.
“It is a very committed goal that symbolises the need to eradicate poverty through education”, he said.
Aguowo, who is also the Group chairman/president of VOLIC Group of Companies, said that the selection processes were tough because the foundation wanted to make sure that the best brains were selected.
“I am confident that the level of support and academic guidance that you, as I.G Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation scholars, will receive in each of the secondary and tertiary institutions that you are attending will be fulfilling and enriching.
He advised the beneficiaries to make the best use of that opportunity for their own good as there were many others who could not get the opportunity.
“Today, we are inducting 100 beneficiaries into the scholarship scheme. With these new beneficiaries, the IG Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation will now have a total number of 345 beneficiaries. Our target is to reach 10,000 beneficiaries and that we shall achieve by the grace of God, amen.
“IG Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation has just finished the renovation of the principal’s quarters at Ezike High School, Nibo, Anambra State, my alma mater. All these are for the love of education and services to God and humanity.
“My message is, be thankful first to your parents, your teachers and schools for nurturing your academic excellence. I request that after you have successfully completed your academic pursuits, please serve society by doing the same thing we are doing for you today.
“Give to the needy, and never allow that child to be out of school when you have the ability to provide help. I am very excited that I am gradually fulfilling my promises to God as He blesses me which is giving back to society without expecting anything in return”, Aguowo said.
The state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, commended Aguowo for his kind gestures towards the students, saying that the government was happy about it.
She said: “He is not just a human being, he is also humane. Out there, there are so many rich people who would rather use their money to subjugate others. But this particular man thought that he had enough to cater for others.
“So, on behalf of the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, I thank Chief I. G. Aguowo and I thank, also, the I. G. Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation.
“I was here last year. And I was so much impressed by what I saw. This year, I am overwhelmed. If there are two or three people like him out there, our society will be a perfect place.
“On behalf of our governor, who has sent me here to represent him and thank this worthy son of Igboland, I thank him, not only for the impact he is making in the lives of these children, I thank him also for spreading this love.
“I remember telling you, the beneficiary, last year that what he is doing for you is getting you indebted to humanity. This sponsorship that God has given you, I want you to take it seriously. It is the best thing that can happen to any human being.
“I. G. Aguowo did not only give cash awards to the headmistress, the coaches and the children that went to Malaysia, he also gave them a life scholarship. He is going to train them through the university.
“Those of them that are already in the seminary, he has just promised to see them through until they become priests.
“Each and every one of us who can emulate him should please go ahead and emulate him. I call on all and sundry in Anambra State, all the rich men, to please emulate him; impact on the lives of our children that we may have a very useful, sustainable and positive generation who will take over from us.”
Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Somtoochukwu Udeze, represented at the event by the chairman, House Committee on Education, Anayo Okpalaeke, commended the benefactor for his benevolence.
“This is the society you are bringing today for tomorrow. And the good Lord will continue to guide and protect you”, he prayed.
Father of one of the beneficiaries, Rev. Clement Obi, expressed his gratitude to the foundation for the scholarship programme, praying God to bless the founder richly.
“The significance of this foundation’s work cannot be overstated. By granting scholarships to students at all levels of education, from primary to tertiary institutions, you have opened doors that were once firmly shut.
“You have given wings to dreams that were on the verge of fading away. Your support has not only provided financial assistance but has also instilled hope and motivation in the hearts of these young individuals, showing them that their aspirations are valid and attainable.
“The IG Aguowo Academic and Health Foundation does not merely invest in education. It invests in the future of our society, recognizing that an educated and healthy population is the cornerstone of progress and development.
“By extending its care and support to those who are unable to fund their medical expenses, this foundation demonstrates its commitment to the holistic well-being of individuals, fostering a society where no one is left behind.
“As we gather here today, surrounded by the beneficiaries of this foundation’s scholarships, I urge you to reflect upon the transformation that has taken place in their lives.
“Each success story stands as a testament to the power of education and the generosity of this foundation. The dreams that once seemed unattainable are now within reach, and the once untapped potential is now flourishing.
“Your unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and profound generosity have kindled a flame of hope in our hearts. You have not only provided us with the tools for success but have also instilled in us a sense of responsibility to give back to society”, he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Aguowo, at the event, gave the four Anambra students who won the 2023 international debate competition held in Malaysia the sum of N100,000 each. The debaters are: Emmanuel Ezechukwu, Promise Mbachu, John Okey-Okonkwo and Obioma Okafor.
He also gave the debate coordinator N1 million while the two coaches got N500,000 each. The team represented Nigeria at the global contest held sometime this year.
In addition, Chief Aguowo’s friend at the event, Mr Greg Enuraa, also gave the debate coaches the sum of N200,000 to encourage them.