Onyeme Disburses Over N140m in Scholarships to 683 Students, Reaffirms Commitment to Education ~ Truth Reporters

 

Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, on Saturday presented cheques to 683 beneficiaries of the 2025 Monday Onyeme Foundation Scholarship Scheme, disbursing over N140 million to support students across Delta North.

 

The ceremony, held in Asaba, marked another major milestone for the foundation, which Sir Onyeme established in 2017 to ensure that no child is denied access to education due to financial constraints.

 

Prominent supporters at the event, including Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu and Hon. Obi Nzete, further encouraged academic excellence by awarding cash gifts ranging from N50,000 to N200,000 to the top performers.

 

Speaking, Sir Onyeme described education as “the most potent weapon against poverty,” adding that the scholarship scheme was driven by a vision to uplift families and empower communities through human capital development.

 

“This annual ceremony is not just about issuing cheques; it is about writing new chapters in the lives of our future leaders,” he said. “Today, 683 bright minds who passed the aptitude test are receiving their cheques. With this set, over 2,500 students have now benefited from the scheme. This is not a political statistic but a testament to compassion and commitment.”

 

He charged the beneficiaries to remain focused, be good ambassadors, and make a commitment to give back to society.

 

The Deputy Governor also reaffirmed that the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori administration, through the MORE Agenda, remains unwavering in its support for education, youth empowerment, and skills development.

 

“To our partners whose contributions running into several millions helped make today possible, thank you,” he added. “Your belief in the future of our children keeps this dream alive.”

 

Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, represented by Sir Vincent Ugbalase, lauded Sir Onyeme for sustaining the initiative and congratulated the beneficiaries.

 

In his goodwill message, Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. John Tonukari, represented by Dr. Emoefe Okpimah, urged students to stay committed to their studies, stressing that “education is not a scam.”

 

The Vice Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Prof. Ben Oghojafor, represented by Prof. Chukwuji C.O, also praised the foundation, noting that supporting education is a shared responsibility of parents and stakeholders.

 

Lawmakers including Hon. Emeka Nwaobi and Hon. Barry Gbe commended the Deputy Governor for giving back to society and encouraged students to maximize the opportunity.

 

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Foundation, Mr. Leo Ubuane, said that since 2017 the programme had remained consistent in its mission to support educational development across Delta North.

 

Highlights of the event included the presentation of cheques to top scorers. In Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Osemeke Deborah emerged overall best and received N600,000; Divine Favour Onyekachi and Odogwu Chukwuka (second position) received N500,000 each; while Odega Uche and Samuel Emeke (third position) received N400,000 each.

 

Top scorers from Ika and Ndokwa/Ukwuani federal constituencies were also presented with their cheques, with many receiving additional cash gifts from dignitaries amid cheers from the audience.