UNUBIKO SCHOLARSHIP: Remember the Values that brought you to this moment – Chief Chijioke Ume.
By Goodluck Okorie
It was a time of jubilation in Umuahia, the state capital of Abia State as UNUBIKO Foundation gave scholarship to One Hundred and Ninety One (191) students from different universities, polytechnic’s, and colleges of education across the country. Chief Chijioke James Ume, the Founder of UNUBIKO Foundation who was ably represented Mr Chinasa James Ume, a member of the Board of Directors, UNUBIKO Foundation said this during the occasion of the Award of Scholarship for the students. He further stressed that integrity, perseverance, and commitment is the key to excellence.
More-so, he extends gratitude to all whose unwavering supports, commitment, and perseverance amounts to the success of this occasion.
Continuing, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Maxwell Onyemachi Ogbulu, the vice chancellor, Abia State University, Uturu, represented the Vice Chancellor, academics Prof Emezue extols Chief Ume who regardless of the situation of the country decided to put smile on the faces of our children, he added that what Chief Ume has done is commendable. Giving scholarship to 191 students is not easy. According to him, “Education is the best thing anyone can give to a man, this scholarship will aid these students to further their education and help ease their parents the burden of training them in the University. Some parents have two, three children in the University whose children also benefited from this scholarship. To say the truth, what Chief Ume has done will remain indelible in the life of these children.”
Consequently, Dr Christopher OKORO, the Secretary of the foundation and the Rector, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba described Chief Ume’s love for humanity as second to none whose vision and desire is targeted to humanity through service. A selfless leader who will always love to give out to the public. The scholarship process was very transparent, and the beneficiaries emerged on merit. “Any student you see us giving scholarship today got it through hardwork. Irrespective of their level, departments, courses, and institutions, each beneficiary will be receiving the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) every year untill graduation. This scholarship is given to Abia residents, no matter your state of origin,” he added.
Concluding, the honourable commissioner for Education, Abia State, Prof Mrs Uchechukwu who reiterated that the transparency of the process which the students were selected is commendable. In her words, “I was among the Education committee of the foundation during this process, I could remember how Chief Chijioke Ume hammered on transparency and gender equality, so we followed his desire and behold where we are today.
“Further, I applause the girls because from the result and what we are seeing today, we can understand that the girls did exceptional well” she added.
UNUBIKO Foundation is a non governmental and non profit organization whose aim is to impact and give back to God and humanity through service.
Recall that UNUBIKO Foundation built an ultramodern Customary Court in Amaelu Abam community, the foundation has built, renovated, and equipped many secondary schools in Arochukwu Local Government Area.
Finally, Mr Chinasa Nwosu, the member Representing Umuahia North State Constituency in his closing remark said that the event is a huge one that is difficult to emulate. According to him, anyone who wants to emulate Chief Ume must know his stand as a man. Given scholarship to 191 students is not a child’s play.” Therefore, he commended the founder for his love for humanity, congratulate the beneficiaries as he admonished them to make good use of this opportunity.
The event was graced many dignitaries such as members of the House of Assembly, the secretary to the state Government, Prof Kenneth Kalu, the majority leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Okoro Uchenna, the chief whip of the Abia State House of Assembly, the Vice Chancellor, Abia State University, Uturu, The Rector, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, The Abia State Commissioner for Education, and so many other dignitaries numerous to mention.
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