Emma Elekwa
A total of 73 pupils in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra state would be participating in a N36million scholarship competition tagged, “Evergreen Quest”.
Chairman of the Council Area, Hon Chibueze Ofobuike disclosed this on Wednesday during State High-Level Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Local Government System Strengthening for Anambra Local Governance Accountability Fellowship (ALGAF) organized by Justice, Development and Peace Caritas Nnewi (JDPC) in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
He said the competition, being offered by Evergreen Foundation, Enugu would involve pupils in public primary schools in the state who would be tested on Literacy and Mathematics.
According to Ofobuike, who doubles as Chairman of All Mayors in the state, the management of the foundation had reached out to him having followed closely numerous achievements recorded by his administration.
“After commending our achievements, they asked if we would like to explore that opportunity and we grabbed it with two hands.
“We’re looking forward to having 73 pupils participate in the competition and the best among them will be securing admission to study in Evergreen schools in Enugu on a scholarship amounting to about N36million for six years.
Globetrotting
“The pupil will have opportunity to travel to about 5 countries before graduation,” he said.
Ofobuike, who delivered a keynote address on the theme of the engagement also spoke on the Aguata best students challenge, announcing that 20 students who came top in the competition would be going to London in July.
“There are three stages. Stage one is General Knowledge, while second stage is on Creative Writing.
“On their return, they would take part in the final stage which is Oral Presentation. The cumulative score will produce the best student for the year.
“The student will secure scholarship of N500,000, brand new laptop and appearance in billboard and several other rewards.
While reeling out other numerous achievements of his administration, the Mayor attributed the feats to passion, ingenuity and hardwork.
“Our achievements has nothing to do with the governor. In Aguata, we’re passionate about getting the job done.
“We get our stakeholders involved. Over 50percent of what we’re doing are being sponsored by our people. These things are verifiable,” he added.
Earlier, Director, JDPC Nnewl, Rev. Fr. Ben Okolo described the engagement as not just another event, but a moment of reckoning and a moment of opportunity.
He said, “This is a moment of reckoning because we must honestly confront the realities of governance at the grassroots.
Reimagining better system
“An opportunity because we are gathered here with the capacity, the authority and the collective will to reimagine a better system.
“At the Justice, Development and Peace Caritas Nnewi, our mission has always been rooted in justice, human dignity, and inclusive development.
“Through our partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, we launched the Anambra Local Governance Accountability Fellowship (ALGAF).
“This initiative is built on a simple but powerful belief: Governance works best when citizens are not spectators, but active participants.
“Across the nine pilot Local Government Areas, we have engaged communities, listened to citizens, interacted with local government actors, and observed systems.
“We keep sharing experiences during our peer review to enable do better to get the job.”
