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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
A United States (US) based medical expert, Egwu Cletus Oduburu, has charged beneficiaries of his scholarship scheme, EC&C Foundation, to work hard and protect the opportunity to be useful to themselves, their parents, and the society.
He also implored them to remain focused, disciplined, and humble in the opportunity, describing education as the one of the greatest weapons against poverty, ignorance, and inequality.
He stated this in Ebushike, Ogboji in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, on the occasion of 2026 Award and Disbursement Ceremony of the foundation. A total of 30 undergraduates in different communities in Ezza North and beyond benefitted from the gesture.
Oduburu disclosed that the beneficiaries emerged through a rigorous and transparent selection process and assured that the foundation will continue to stand with the beneficiaries to pursue their dreams. He appealed to the state government to absorb 20 beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme who graduated in different universities and remained unemployed.
“Over the years, this foundation has successfully sponsored and graduated 22 young men and women from various institutions. Unfortunately, many of them are still unemployed despite their qualifications. This reminds us that education alone is only part of the solution. Employment and economic opportunities are equally important.
“Therefore, I, respectfully, appeal to the government of Ebonyi State, government agencies, private organisations, business leaders, philanthropists, and well-meaning individuals to partner with us by creating employment for these graduates. Together, we can transform scholarship recipients into productive professionals who will contribute meaningfully to our society”, he said.
Oduburu, a nurse, said he started the foundation to identify brilliant but financially disadvantaged young people to help them pursue higher education.
“We understand what it means to struggle. We know what it feels like to have dreams delayed because of financial limitations. Experience inspired us to ensure that deserving students do not abandon their education simply because they could not afford it. By the grace of God, this vision has continued to grow.
“What began as a personal family initiative has now evolved into the Egwu Cletus and Cecilia Oduburu (EC&C) Foundation, a platform committed to nurturing dreams, building future leaders, and creating opportunities for young people to succeed.
“Today, we are proud to support 30 new beneficiaries, who now join the growing EC&C family. To our beneficiaries, I want you to remember this: This scholarship is not merely financial assistance. It is an investment in your future. It is a vote of confidence in your potential. We believe in you.
“We believe that one day you will become doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, public servants, and leaders who will positively impact society. When that day comes, remember to lift others just as someone has lifted you today. Education remains one of the greatest weapons against poverty, ignorance, and inequality”, he said.
He commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for expanding educational opportunities through local and internal scholarship programmes.
“His administration has demonstrated that investing in education is investing in the future of Ebonyi State. We commend these efforts and encourage their continued expansion”.
Secretary of the scholarship screening committee, Chief Patrick Igwe, warned that the foundation will stop the scholarship of any beneficiary involved in anti-social behaviours.
He urged the beneficiaries to study hard to remain in the scheme or be dropped.
In their remarks, Commissioners for Information and Donor Agencies, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh and Ikechukwu Igweazi, respectively, commended Oduburu for complementing the efforts of Governor Francis Nwifuru in the education sector. They advised the beneficiaries to focus on their studies and avoid distractions in order to make good results.
