In a heartfelt effort to contribute positively to society, the Margaret Ogbeide Memorial Foundation recently awarded scholarships to 12 students from secondary schools in the Abavo Kingdom, located within the Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The foundation’s founder, Mr. Jonah Ogbeide, shared with South-South PUNCH on Tuesday that this initiative was designed to support students, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, to thrive academically.
Reflecting on the foundation’s journey since its inception in 2023, Ogbeide explained that the MOM Foundation’s primary focus has been to provide educational scholarships to students who face financial hardships. He expressed, “I welcome everyone to the 2024 Margaret Ogbeide Memorial Foundation Scholarship Award Ceremony.”
He continued, “Today, we come together not only to celebrate the admirable achievements of our young scholars but also to acknowledge our collective efforts in fostering education and creating opportunities for the youth in our communities.
Since our establishment in 2023, our mission has been to empower young people in rural areas by opening doors to educational opportunities and nurturing their personal growth. Our focus remains on ensuring that every young person, regardless of their financial situation, has the chance to succeed.”
“In our inaugural year, 2023, we awarded scholarships to six deserving students in JSS2, which helped alleviate some of the financial challenges their families faced. This achievement marked an important milestone for us, and we are proud of the progress we made from the start.
This year, we expanded our reach by selecting 12 talented students from JSS2 and JSS3, chosen through our 2024 scholarship examination held in June. These recipients will receive scholarships to continue their education, and we believe they hold immense potential to excel.”
Ogbeide further explained, “The top 12 students from each public school qualified for the scholarship exam, selected based on their promotion results with the support of school principals and the education ministry.”
Highlighting the importance of community service, Ogbeide reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting education in rural communities. He added, “Our commitment to assisting underprivileged students remains strong. One major initiative we are launching this year is covering the costs of WAEC/NECO examinations to lessen the financial burden for vulnerable families in rural areas. By funding these examination fees, we aim to eliminate financial obstacles that often prevent students from completing their secondary education.”
Ogbeide mentioned additional programs, such as providing essential food supplies to families in need and enhancing community safety by installing solar-powered streetlights.
He also shared plans to broaden the foundation’s support for youth through skill-building programs and other community development initiatives. Furthermore, he encouraged partnerships with organizations and individuals to expand the scholarship’s reach and benefit more students.
Representing the traditional ruler of Abavo Kingdom, HRM Obi Uche Irenuma, the Council of Chiefs praised the foundation for its dedication to advancing education within the community.
