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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Awadzi Centre for Empowerment and Education (ACEE) has awarded scholarships worth N60, 000 each to 56 students in Nasarawa State to support their education.
Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony yesterday in Lafia, the founder of ACEE and National President of Zumunta Association USA, Mr Sunday Bitrus, said the initiative was part of his commitment to giving back to his community.
According to Bitrus, the scholarship programme attracted over 2,000 applications from students across various higher institutions, with a focus on disciplines such as medicine, engineering, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). However, due to limited resources, only students who met the selection criteria and were indigenes of Nasarawa State were chosen.
“We received an overwhelming number of applications, but we had to prioritize based on need and merit. This scholarship is aimed at easing the financial burden of education for indigent students,” he said.
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Bitrus, who has lived in the diaspora for over 25 years, acknowledged the support of the Zumunta Association in the USA, a Northern Nigerian affinity group. He also urged other Nigerians abroad to contribute to the development of their home communities.
Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri, was represented at the event by the Head of Programmes at the commission, Abiodun Akanbi, commended Bitrus for the initiative, describing it as a model for diaspora engagement.
“One of the commission’s key messages is encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to return home and invest in their communities to make Nigeria great.
“Bitrus’s initiative is a shining example of this message in action. By providing stipends to students in Nigeria, he is not only supporting their education but also contributing to the development of his community,” Akanbi said.
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Princess Margaret Elayo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Yonah, lauded Bitrus for the scholarship programme, describing it as a commendable gesture.
