FUGAR – A Non-Governmental and non-political Organization (NGO), the Okakagbe Foundation “Improving Lives” has presented bursary awards to the first batch of 100 indigent students of Etsako Central local government in tertiary institutions in the country.
Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries, the initiator and founder of the Foundation, Chief Mike Ayegbeni Oghiadomhe said the idea was to empower the youths who he said are the leaders of tomorrow.
He said the money was also to enhance the academic career of the students as it will go a long way in solving some of their academic problems in the school. He however appealed to them to use the money judiciously.
According to him, “this money given to you is not for you to buy material things but to buy books and other school materials that will enhanced your academic pursuit”.
He disclosed that the organization would come up with a micro-credit scheme and an entrepreneurship programme for women and youths adding that “The major problem in our country is unemployment, poverty and hunger and we are trying in our own way to give to the less privileged in the society.
“Today what you witnessed is for the students and we have programmes for women, widow and youth’s empowerment and skill acquisition were others would also benefited.
“We are starting from here and in the next five years we will be looking far beyond Edo and we believe that next time, our impact would cut across the country,’’ he concluded.
Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Miss Mary Akpeotuo thanked the initiator and the organization for the bursary award which according to her will go a long way in their academic career. She advised the beneficiary/students to ensure that the money is used for the purpose of which it was meant for.
The coordinator of the Okakagbe Foundation, Solomon Obomhigie thanked the people who contributed towards the success of the event adding that the second batch of the student bursary award will commerce in two weeks time.