Demonstrating an exceptional dedication to education, the IG Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation has bestowed scholarships upon over a hundred students who demonstrated outstanding performance in their recent scholarship examination. These scholarship grants were formally conferred during the foundation’s second educational seminar and the fourth installment of their scholarship award ceremony.
The IG Aguowo Foundation currently supports a total of three hundred and forty-five students through its scholarship program, with aspirations to extend this assistance to up to ten thousand students in the future.
The prestigious event, hosted at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center in Awka, garnered significant attendance from students, parents, and guardians, both from within and outside the state.
The ceremony began with an opening declaration by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Ngozi Chukwuma Ude. Governor Soludo praised Chief Ignatius Aguowo and the foundation for their dedication to supporting underprivileged individuals and nurturing the brightest talents in society through education. He emphasized the importance of investing in education as a means of combating insecurity and encouraged others to follow this noble example.
Chief Ignatius Aguowo, the founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the IG Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation, congratulated the 2023 scholarship recipients, acknowledging the rigorous selection process they underwent. He stressed that these students truly represent the best and brightest.
Chief Aguowo also highlighted the foundation’s recent renovation of the principal’s quarters at Ezike High School Nibo, a testament to his commitment to education. He called on scholarship beneficiaries to be exemplary ambassadors of the foundation and wished them success in their academic pursuits.
In a thought-provoking keynote address, Hon. Frank Igbojindu, Chairman of the Akpoaza Group and CEO of Best Brain Contest, spoke on the event’s theme, “Education: A Ticket to a Better Future.” He emphasized that both formal and informal education can pave the way for a brighter future. He urged young people to engage in vocational training, as contemporary businesses often prioritize skills over certificates. He encouraged scholarship recipients to take their education seriously to achieve success in life.
The event also saw the presence of notable figures, including traditional rulers, representatives from the Anambra State House of Assembly, and the Head of Service of Anambra State, among others.
The foundation recognized the exceptional achievements of its scholarship recipients by presenting certificates and cash prizes. Notably, a team from Anambra that emerged victorious in a Nigeria-Malaysia debate was awarded one million naira, with five hundred thousand naira given to their coaches and one hundred thousand naira to each participating student.
In interviews, beneficiaries of the scholarship expressed their gratitude to Chief Aguowo for his generosity and support to the less fortunate, praying for his continued blessings.
As a remarkable highlight, all the students from Anambra who formed the victorious “Solution Team” in the international debate received scholarships. The team proudly presented their trophy from Malaysia to Chief Ignatius Aguowo, symbolizing their gratitude for the foundation’s unwavering support.