The Ikechukwu Ezeugwu foundation has given scholarships to 24 intelligent but less privileged undergraduates to mark its 10th-year anniversary.
The Enugu State House of Assembly Leader, and Founder, Ikechukwu Ezeugwu Foundation, Hon. Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu made this known at the unveiling of the Foundation’s Secretariat in Enugu.
According to Dr. Ezeugwu, the Foundation was borne out of his passion for education and desire to bring succor to the less privileged.
The Foundation which began as a constituency project in 2013, has produced 21 graduates across his constituency; Udenu. During the occasion undergraduates from the five states of the South East were included as beneficiaries for the first time.
The Foundation according to Hon Ezeugwu will in the nearest future, accommodate selected undergraduates from the entire thirty-six states of Nigeria and the FCT. He stressed that if not for anything, accommodating underprivileged undergraduates from the whole country will remind us as Nigerians that though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.
Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries, the Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, encouraged them to maximize the opportunity available to them, urging them to be good ambassadors of their families and the Foundation.
Dr. Ezeugwu also revealed that he would retire from active politics come May 2023 to pursue his passion in the educational sector.
Unveiling the Secretariat, the Regional Manager of Christ Church of the Later-day Saint Charities, Mr. Charles Adebayo, described Dr. Ezeugwu as a prudent man of resources whose integrity and kindness are beyond measure.
Also speaking on the occasion, a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Professor Malachy Ukwueze, described Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu as a man who has restored the essence of scholarship schemes in Nigeria, by allowing the Board to function independently.
In his remark of appreciation, a medical doctor, Dr. Ukwueze Okwudili, thanked Hon. Ezeugwu for giving him hope, and reshaping his focus and purpose in life. He said that without the intervention of the Foundation, his dream of becoming a medical doctor would not have been realized.
Since its establishment, the Foundation has championed projects such as the rehabilitation of schools, scholarship awards, providing shelter for the homeless, women and youths empowerment, as well as providing portable water in communities.
Among the beneficiaries during the 10th Series are undergraduates from Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Anambra State.
The high point was when one of his security details, Inspector Barde Samaila from Nasarawa State received a cheque on behalf of his daughter.
The event was graced by Deputy Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Uche Ugwu, Hon. Emmanuel Ugwuerua, member representing Nsukka constituency; Regional Manager Zenith bank, Mrs. Nnoli Nnaji, representatives for Ecobank and Fidelity bank, CAN Chairman Enugu Chapter, Reverend Edeh, Reverend Charles Aneke, serving and past legislators among others.
