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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Founder of the Kave Economic Empowerment Foundation (KEEF), Dr Godwin Kave, has awarded scholarships to over 100 indigent students drawn from across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State.
The scholarship programme, held at Gboko Polytechnic in the Gboko LGA, was part of a week-long series of activities to mark his 50th birthday celebration.
Kave, a United Nations Peace Ambassador, provided financial support of N50,000 to each of the 100 students of tertiary institutions, amounting to a total of N5 million.
He stated that the gesture was part of efforts to empower youths and promote their access to education.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the Ter Gboko, HRH Gabriel Ishosum, who was represented by the District Head of Gboko South, HRH Akpam Abeke, commended Kave for choosing to celebrate his milestone birthday through impactful humanitarian services rather than lavish festivities abroad.
He noted that the scholarship initiative offers hope to students and reflects Kave’s generosity.
The traditional ruler advised beneficiaries to utilise the funds prudently to enhance their academic pursuits and encouraged them to emulate their “big brother,” Kave, by remembering to give back to society in the future. He further prayed to God Almighty to bless him beyond measure.
The KEEF Founder, Dr Godwin Kave, expressed appreciation to the Ter Gboko for honouring the occasion despite his tight schedule, explaining that he was motivated by his humble background and personal experiences with financial hardship while pursuing his education.
He said, “My motivation for this initiative is that I was once in your shoes and I have come from a humble background, so I know how difficult it is to acquire education from a poor background.”
Kave disclosed that although he had been offering humanitarian assistance quietly in the past, his 50th birthday provided an opportunity to institutionalise the interventions through KEEF.
He highlighted that the week-long activities began with a medical outreach in Buruku, followed by a youth skill acquisition programme in Makurdi and the scholarship awards at Gboko Polytechnic, saying, “It’s not for show-off, and I’m not a rich man. But I find myself in people’s shoes and I want to touch their lives.”
While noting that he wanted to use the occasion of his Golden Jubilee to impact lives rather than host a conventional party, Kave also disclosed plans to launch a biography initially proposed three years ago by the late national President of the Tiv Youth Organisation, Mr Andy Anza, whose vision is now being continued by his former classmate, Mr Mike Ortserga. The book launch is scheduled to hold on Friday at the College of Health Sciences, Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), formerly Benue State University, Makurdi.
In a goodwill message, Prof. Benjamin Odey Omang of the Department of Geology, University of Calabar, commended Kave for his generosity, stating that society would be better if more individuals embraced such acts of giving. “It’s not rich people that give, it’s good people that give. So, Kave is a good man,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Henroy Enterprise, Calabar, Dr Henry Effiom, urged continued prayers for Kave to sustain and expand his philanthropic efforts, while encouraging beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to achieve academic excellence.
Similarly, Dr Amon Terpase Emmanuel, Head of Station at the National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Yandev outstation, appreciated the initiative and urged beneficiaries to make meaningful use of the opportunity, adding, “Make that token you are benefitting today speak. Let the little beginning multiply in thousand folds and let his prayers be answered.”
Earlier, the Coordinator of the KEEF Scholarship and Colloquium, Dr Elijah Ikpanor, who is also the Director of Culture for Advancement and Linkages at Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, explained that the selection process for the scholarship scheme was transparent and merit-based. He noted that the scholarship was publicly advertised across media platforms, with applications submitted online to eliminate bias and ensure fairness.
He stated that eligibility criteria required applicants to be indigent Benue indigenes with demonstrable need, adding that the beneficiaries are pioneers of the scheme and are expected to serve as its ambassadors.
According to him, Kave did not interfere with the selection process. “I did not have any interference from our founder or any committee member. They gave me the opportunity to assess you independently,” he said.
Ikpanor further disclosed that shortlisted candidates who were unable to attend the ceremony would receive their funds through bank transfers.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Nenger Mbanengen, a 300-level English student at the University of Mkar, and Iorkyaa Grace, a 400-level Medical Laboratory Science student at MOAUM, expressed gratitude to Kave for the support.
Iorkyaa noted that her previous scholarship attempts with other sponsors had not been successful, describing some as “non-existent” and “questionable,” and commended Dr Kave for the genuine intervention.
Other students, Awua Bemdoo of the Department of Data Science and Technology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and Benjamin Saaondo of the Department of Medicine, MOAUM, also appreciated the gesture and pledged to utilise the funds judiciously.
In his closing remarks, the Media Adviser to the Ter Gboko, Dr Fidelis Ihundu, described Kave as a courageous, intelligent, and compassionate man, praying for continued blessings upon him.
