Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has increased the Alex Otti Foundation scholarship package to beneficiaries from N150,000 to N250,000.
A total of 34 beneficiaries were selected for this year’s edition out of about 200 students that have so far received succor from the Alex Otti scholarship programme in the past.
Governor Otti, according to Azubuike Jinanwa, Director of Information, Government House, Umuahia, made the announcement at the 2022 -2023 Alex Otti Scholarship banquet held at Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA of the state.
Governor pledges to continue support to beneficiaries
The governor, also pledged to continue his support to beneficiaries to enable them achieve their full potential.
He disclosed that the scholarship scheme which started many years ago but formalized seven years ago was modelled in such a way that beneficiaries do not need to know anyone to succeed.
The Governor disclosed that the foundation has no relationship with Abia state government, adding that there was a line between the Abia state finances and Alex Otti’s foundation.
According to him, the initiative was a way of investing in the future and charged beneficiaries not to disappoint but rather put in their best to excel.
Scholarship targets bright but indigent
He remarked that the scholarship programme targets bright but indigent Students of Abia Origin or those resident in the state.
Governor Otti used the forum to appreciate the management committee of the scholarship scheme for their input and for remaining objective to the vision of the foundation without compromise.
Selection process was transparent
In his speech,the deputy chief of staff to the Governor and immediate past executive secretary of the foundation, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke said the selection process was transparent.
He added that the scholarship award was just an arm of the Alex Otti foundation, which has continued to empower the citizens.
He thanked the governor for giving himself for the venture, adding that the governor never plays politics with excellence.
Beneficiaries urged to maintain high standard in education
He charged the beneficiaries to maintain high standard in education.
He pointed out that the foundation made sure that beneficiaries must come from public tertiary institutions.
In his remarks, the Chairman Planning Committee and Head, Logistics, Mr. Maxell Umesi on behalf of the beneficiaries of the 2023 batch thanked the governor for giving them the latitude to conduct the selection process transparently.
According to him, all beneficiaries were selected based on merit.
Foundation has produced six first class students
He noted that the foundation has over the years produced about six first class students.
He said the governor was determined to building a generation of accomplished individuals who would continue to do great in their chosen fields.
He urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the foundation and state at large.
Beneficiaries pledged to give back to society.
Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries one of the first class graduates, Mr. Kelvin Ikeoha thanked the governor for giving them a future through the foundation and pledged to also give back to the society.
The event was attended by the wife of the Governor, Priscilia and other dignitaries.
