Anioma Association USA, awards scholarship to students in Nigerian University

In a determined effort to support the human capital development of Delta State and to challenge the youths of Anioma to positive and constructive exercises, a US-based non-profit organisation, Anioma Association USA, Georgia Chapter has awarded scholarships to three students of Anioma extraction studying in Nigerian universities.

Now in its second year, the scholarship scheme is one of the several projects earmarked by the association for the purpose of sustaining human capital development in Anioma and Delta State in general. More importantly, it aimed to help alleviate the burden of students and parents in payment of school fees.

The President of the association, Mr. Martin Chukwurah, stated this during the presentation of scholarship awards to three beneficiaries in Asaba, Delta State. Represented by Dr. Charles Oseji, a member of the association, Chukwurah noted that the association was committed to supporting Anioma students to accomplish their academic goals and the state government to build a robust human capital out of Delta State.

The beneficiaries, Ine Isioma Lawrence, a final year student of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Michael Emeka Precious, a second year student of Petroleum Engineering, University of Benin and Onyenekwe Chiziterem Precious, also a second year student of Medical Biochemistry, University of Benin in their separate remarks thanked members of the association for their kind gesture and service to humanity for supporting them and other Anioma students in their academic pursuits. “This is the best thing that ever happened in my life, it's been a journey of struggle, but I thank God for using this association to be a blessing to me and my family" Miss Onyenekwe, who shed tears of joy said.

Another recipient, Mr. Ine Isioma Lawrence, was thankful to God for the opportunity to be one of the beneficiaries and said the scholarship award will enable him pursue his dream of quality education and ultimately become a successful person in life. For Michael Emeka Precious, it was a great deed, he promised to work hard to fulfill his ambition to help develop the Oil sector in Nigeria.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the event, Lily Sanya, Programme Officer, Data & Policy, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), commended Dr. Oseji and other members of the association for the scholarship programme in support of students studying in Nigerian universities. Ms. Sanya said that education is the bedrock of development and any nation that craves for real development must continue to invest in the education of its youths for meaningful progress in the society. Sanya however, urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve good results.

Dr. Oseji in his remarks said that the association decided to embark on the scholarship scheme as a way to support bright Anioma students to enable them to actualise their dreams of higher education and be useful to the society. He further explained that the scholarship award was increased from the initial amount of N50, 000 to N75, 000 this year in view of the devaluation of the Naira. Dr. Oseji who flew in from Altanta for the scholarship awards congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to remain steadfast in their academic. He said the time has come for well meaning individuals and corporate orgainisations to come together in support of building a better society.

Mr. Emordi E. Emmanuel, Deputy Comptroller, Immigration, Delta State, speaking during the pep talk session admonished the recipients and other students to shun any form of social vices particularly, cultism, exam malpractice and prostitution while in and outside school. In the same vein, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, Principal Consultant/CEO Frima Investment Ltd.,/Editor, Anioma Essence Magazine called on attitudinal change in order to move Delta State to its desired prominence. He said the association has done its part with the scholarship awards and urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by living true to the promise of good citizenship. Mr. Tom Mbukanma, a beneficiary of the federal government scholarship in the eighties advised the students to make judicious use of the opportunity provided by the scholarship programme. He said the lesson to learn is to count themselves privilege and to remember to give back to the society when God blesses them.

Hon. Emeka Nmadu, former Chairman, Oshimili North Local Government Area, commended the association for the noble act, but called on them to increase the number of beneficiaries and also extend the scholarship to students in private universities in Nigeria. Other dignitaries who spoke at the event include Mr. Amos Ojo of International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Rev. Francis Ukwuamedua, Chairman of Strategic Institute, Anioma World Assembly, USA.

The Vice President of the association, Mr. Michael Brian Onyekali Odiakosa in a statement reiterated the association's commitment to supporting academic excellence and the  development of Anioma. Odiakosa however urged the beneficiaries to continue to maintain high Cumulative Grade Point Average scores in their studies. He called on intending applicants for the scholarship awards to watch out for the 2016 edition billed to commence in January 2016. Students are advised to visit the association website. http://aniomaga.org/our-services/aniomascholarship.

"It is gratifying to note that the scholarship scheme is meeting its desired impact and people are appreciating the little gesture of the association". Odiakosa enthused.  He commended members of the association for the vision and for contributing personal income for the actualization of the 2015 edition. He also commended Mr. Ben Obi, the CEO of Beno-Concept Media/Publisher of Anioma News for the event photography and Anioma Essence Magazine for their media support.

Anioma Association USA, Georgia Chapter is the umbrella organization of all Anioma people resident in State of Georgia, USA. The scholarship scheme started in 2014, in bid to support the human capital development of the region since government cannot singlehandedly solve the challenges of education in the state. The association has as its objectives to mobilize, sensitize, and engage all sons and daughters of Anioma origin, both home and abroad, to unite and get actively involved in projects, programs, efforts and measures aimed to address underdevelopment, or lack of it, in the Anioma homeland.

L-R: Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, Principal Consultant/CEO Frima Investment Ltd., Emordi E. Emmanuel, Deputy Comptroller, Immigration, Delta State, Michael Emeka Precious, Onyenekwe Chiziterem Precious, recipients', Dr. Charles Oseji, Member Anioma Asso. US. INC., Ine Isioma Lawrence , a recipient and Lily Sanya, Programme Officer, Data & Policy, International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

L-R: The Recipients' - Michael Emeka Precious, Onyenekwe Chiziterem Precious  of University of Benin and Ine Isioma Lawrence of University of Ibadan display their scholarship certificates.

L-R: Emordi E. Emmanuel, Deputy Comptroller, Immigration, Delta State, Lily Sanya, Programme Officer, Data & Policy, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Dr. Charles Oseji, Member Anioma Asso. US. INC.

L-R: Hon. Emeka Nmadu, former Chairman, Oshimili North LGA., Emordi E. Emmanuel, Deputy Comptroller, Immigration, Delta State, Lily Sanya, Programme Officer, Data & Policy, International Organisation for Migration (IOM),  Dr. Charles Oseji, Member Anioma Asso. US. INC. and Rev. Francis Ukwamedua, Chairman of Strategic Institute, Anioma World Assembly.

Dr. Charles Oseji of Anioma Asso. USA, INC.,  presenting certificate of scholarship to Onyenekwe Chiziterem Precious  of University of Benin

Pix shows, Godfrey Osakwe of Frima Ltd., Dr. Charles Oseji  of Anioma Asso. USA, INC.,  with Lily Sanya of International Organisation for Migration (IOM) presenting certificate of scholarship to Ine Isioma Lawrence of University of Ibadan.

Pix shows, Godfrey Osakwe of Frima Ltd., , Dr. Charles Oseji  of Anioma Asso. USA, INC.,  with Emordi E. Emmanuel, Deputy Comptroller, Immigration, Delta State, presenting certificate of scholarship to Michael Emeka Precious of University of Benin.

A cross section of guests and well-wishers at the event.