BY SAM DUVWODE
The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, yesterday, presided over the presentation of cheques to 683 successful beneficiaries of the 2025 Monday Onyeme Foundation Scholarship Scheme, announcing a total disbursement exceeding N140 million for the Year 2025.
The event, held in Asaba, marked a significant milestone for the foundation, which Sir Onyeme established in 2017.
To encourage the students in their academic career, supporters of the foundation who were physically present at the occasion, including Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, Hon. Obi Nzete, amongst others, gave cash gifts ranging from N50,000 to N200,000 to each of the top scorers declared at the occasion.
Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Governor said that the scheme, which started in 2017, was “driven by a deep conviction that education is the most potent weapon against poverty,
“Today, we stand here celebrating a significant milestone; 683 bright minds who successfully passed the aptitude tests conducted in September are receiving their cheques today. The total number of students who have benefited from this scholarship has soared to over 2,500.
“To the 683 young men and women receiving this assistance today, I offer my hearty congratulations; you have earned this through dedication and hard work. Let this scholarship be more than just financial aid; let it be a catalyst for excellence. We are all aware that the administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, through the MORE Agenda, remains unwavering in its commitment to human capital development.
“This scholarship scheme is an integral part of our broader vision for a prosperous Delta, built on the foundations of knowledge and skill. We will continue to support initiatives that empower our youth, promote vocational training, and create an enabling environment for economic prosperity. Your success is our ultimate measure of achievement.
“To the parents and guardians, thank you for nurturing these brilliant children and to our partners who have made contributions running into several millions of Naira, which made it possible for us to be giving out cheques today worth more than N140 million. To the team at the Foundation, I appreciate your meticulous and transparent work. We look forward to hearing great things from you all; go forth, study hard, and make Delta North, Delta State, and Nigeria proud!”
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. John Tonukari, represented by Dr Emoefe Okpimah, commended the Monday Onyeme foundation scholarship scheme and called on students to pursue their educational career diligently, adding that education is not a scam.
High point of the occasion was the presentation of cheques by the Delta State Deputy Governor to the top scorers from the three federal constituencies, which include Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency:
Osemeke Deborah, as the overall top scorer, received a cheque of N600,000. Divine Favour Onyekachi and Odogwu Chukwuka, 2nd position, received a cheque of N500,000 each; Odega Uche and Samuel Emeke, 3rd position, received a cheque of N400,000 each.
Also, the six top scorers from Ika federal constituency and the four top scorers from Ndokwa/Ukwuani federal constituency received their cheques.
