Patience Leonard, Campus Reporter
The Echara autonomous community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Sunday, March 6, 2022 witnessed a great event as the Gozie Ohamadike Foundation awarded scholarships to students and unveiled their new councilor native of the community.
The event called ‘Uka-eke Echara meeting, held at the town square of the community with many villagers present.
In attendance was the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Igwe Christopher Ezugwu, Chiefs and elders of the community, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Barr. Chigozie Okonkwo, members of the town union, youths and visitors from other places.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe beneficiaries of the award were 5 students studying professional courses across institutions in Nigeria.
The beneficiaries, courses and their institutions include: Onah Chibuike Peter, Medicine and Surgery from University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC); Ozioko Clinton Kosiso, Nigerian Police Academy in Kano; Ibeh Confidence, Law from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT); Ozioko Mmesoma Blessing, Medicine and Surgery from UNEC; and Ugwoke Chinedu Victor, Medicine and Surgery from University of Calabar.
They were handed over cheques of N250,000 and N200,000, depending on the courses they are studying. The Foundation pledged to continue giving them the money until they complete their studies. The support, however, excludes any extra year incurred in the course of the study.
Founder of the Foundation, Barr. Peter Chigozie Okonkwo, said it would be the first time the programme would be implemented Echara community, though they were previously working in other communities.
The town union, it was gathered, had shortlisted the student beneficiaries based on merit.”
President General of the Union, Chief Christopher V. Maduka said the community had other programmes in view, including building a health centre and drilling a borehole facility.
In an interview with our Campus Correspondent, a parent of one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Ibe E. Eze, said: ‘’My daughter is being trained today to train another. I will remind her after today that she is indebted.”
“When she begins to practice her profession, she has to train another person,” he concluded.
His daughter, Confidence Ibe affirmed, “ The investment on me today will be transferred.”
Also, Mmesoma B. Ozioko promised to work hard to graduate and continue the good work. Other beneficiaries also offered prayers and thanksgivings to the foundation and the community and pledged to keep the flag high.
During the event also, Hon. Tochukwu D. Ezeah was presented to the whole community as their new councillor representing their ward.The Igwe then admonished him to present the good image of the Echara people to the world.
“ I have never been a failure and I’m never going to fail our people”, the councilor responded. He added that he will support the unification and progress of the Echara people. He equally thanked the youths for always having his back
