Chinedum Treasure
A Non Governmental Organization, IG Aguowo Health And Academic Foundation,(IGAHAF) has offered scholarships to no fewer than 700 indigent students drawn from communities in Anambra State and beyond.
The beneficiaries, including those in various primary, secondary and tertiary institutions received the awards during the event unveiled tagged “6th Annual Education Summit” which also featured induction of graduated beneficiaries into the “IGAHAF Global Network Of Alumni” with each of the eight graduates receiving the sum of N250,000.
Also four best selected students for tertiary education scholarship namely Ben Eze, Ebonyi State University, Moses Chibuike and Nwafor Chiamaka, both from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka received the sum of N500,000 each and HP Laptops.
Speaking at the award presentation, Chairman of the Foundation, Onyeka Aguowo, said the annual initiative which had been an integral part of his life and service to God and humanity was aimed at easing financial burden of students.
Chairman on the occasion, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo noted that the programme aligned with the Foundation’s objective targeted at lifting the youths out of poverty through education.
Delivering the keynote address, titled “Service To Humanity: The IGAHAF; Redefining Values Through Generosity” Prof Ngozi Chuma Udeh commended the benefactor for the scholarship, underscoring the place of education to sustainable development.
Chuma Udeh, immediate past Commissioner for Education in the state, described investment in education as most powerful tool for social reformation and human capital development, urging the foundation to sustain the programme.
She said, “Today, we examine the work of the Foundation, a living demonstration that service to humanity, rooted in deliberate generosity, can redefine values, restore dignity, and build the future of a nation.
“We use the work of I G Aguowo and deep affections of his Foundation to understand how visions could take deep root and redefine what we as a society choose to value.
“True value is measured by what is given away, time, resources, knowledge, and opportunity.
“The most enduring legacy any foundation can leave is not a name on a building but the values it normalised. When those values are discharged with generosity, service, and dignity, then humanity itself becomes the greatest return on investment.”
Second keynote speaker, Bar Ujunwa Ezeofor highlighted the numerous positive impact of building lives through scholarship on the larger society in the long run.
Earlier, Executive Director of the Foundation, Gloria Abanihe said the beneficiaries were carefully selected based on their academic performances.
“The Foundation’s strategic investments are systematically distributed across distinct academic categories, balancing foundational primary education with advanced tertiary specialization.
“IGAHAF remains steadfastly dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders through robust, uninterrupted academic sponsorship,” she noted.
Also speaking, Reps Member, Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Prof Lilian Orogbu said she had provided substantial education support services in some communities, stressing that funding education should not be left for government alone.
While congratulating the beneficiaries, the lawmaker challenged other wealthy individuals to emulate the benefactor.
Some of the beneficiaries described the scholarship as lifeline that came at a critical moment, expressing gratitude to the benefactor and prayed for more grace to sustain the programme.
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