Udenwa names scholarship scheme for indigent students
From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri
I MO State Governor, Achike Udenwa has set up a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to offer scholarships to indigent students.
The NGO, named Nneoma Felicia Udenwa, was set up in memory of the governor's mother who died on October 2, 2000.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, the acting chairperson of the organisation's Board of Trustees, Theresa Udenwa said about 50 indigent children from the 27 local councils in the state would benefit from the scholarships billed to take about N300,000 at the first year. Each child will receive N6,000 yearly.
The governor's wife said the organisation was entirely non-governmental, noting that members of the board were appointed by Udenwa. Some of the members are Bishop of Orlu Catholic Diocese, Gregory Ochiagha and Bishop of Owerri Anglican Diocese, Dr. Cyril Okorocha.
Udenwa's first son, Arinze and one Sly Obiaka are also members. The governor's Special Assistant on Special Duties, Mr. Vincent Ibenye Ugbala, is serving as secretary of the board.
The acting chairman said the board has concluded arrangements on ensuring a hitch-free selection, adding that only indigent children would benefit from the scholarships.
Udenwa's wife said resources received came from donations, adding that the proceeds had been put in the bank to yield interest.
Her words: "It is not a government-sponsored thing. It is no party thing. Nobody is going to hijack it.
"For now, we have budgeted a minimum of N300,000 annually to ensure that it continues even after we have left government. We have deposited our money in the bank so that it will yield interest which will see us continuously".
She hoped that the Universal Basic Education (UBE) signed into law recently by President Olusegun Obasanjo would take off so that there would be free education for junior secondary schools.
The foundation, in the near future, will begin the scholarships from the senior secondary school category.
She said all the beneficiaries would be trained in public schools and that selection would not be based on a particular gender.
