The I.G. Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation (IGAHAF) has awarded scholarships to 250 students during its 2024 Education Seminar and Scholarship Awards Ceremony, bringing the total number of beneficiaries under its scheme to 670.
The event, held at the International Convention Center in Awka, saw three outstanding students—Victoria Omumatu, Chisom Nwankwo, and Precious Obasi—receiving a cash prize of N350,000 each along with the latest laptops for their exceptional academic performances.
The ceremony, which marked the third edition of the IGAHAF Education Seminar and the fifth phase of the scholarship awards, attracted a diverse audience including beneficiaries, their families, political leaders, industry captains, religious figures led by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, as well as traditional rulers and education advocates.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, highlighted the significant strides made in the education sector under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who declared a state of emergency in education upon assuming office and employed over 8,000 teachers. She praised Chief Aguowo for his commitment to the state’s Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative, describing him as a philanthropist who understands the critical importance of investing in the future through education.
Honourable Anayo Okpalaeke, Chairman of the House Committee on Education, commended the winners of the 2024 National Innovation Competition from CKC and lauded Chief Aguowo for recognizing their achievements. He emphasized that such recognition is a motivator for continued excellence.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Gloria Abanihe, Executive Director of IGAHAF, explained that the foundation was established to bridge educational gaps and provide opportunities for deserving students. She encouraged the scholarship recipients to uphold the values of hard work, integrity, and service as they pursue their academic goals.
The traditional ruler of Nibo Community, Igwe Michael Ngene, praised Chief Aguowo’s philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education and health, and offered prayers for continued blessings on his endeavors.
Chief Innocent Akuvue, who chaired the occasion, described the event as historic and lauded Chief Aguowo for his extraordinary commitment to social responsibility. He noted that the prayers of those benefitting from Aguowo’s generosity would continue to sustain him.
The keynote speaker, Barrister Nwando Obiano, highlighted Chief Aguowo as a model of what can be achieved when dreams are properly nurtured. She advised the scholarship recipients to make the most of the opportunity and to prove themselves worthy of the support they have received.
In his closing remarks, Chief Ignatius Aguowo, the foundation’s founder, pledged to continue supporting the Anambra State government and encouraged the scholarship recipients to make the foundation proud through their academic achievements.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Faith Ifeoma, expressed gratitude on behalf of all the awardees, noting that the scholarship is not only a financial lifeline but also a symbol of hope and a stepping stone toward achieving their dreams.
The event featured several highlights, including the presentation of awards to scholarship recipients, winners of the 2024 National Innovation Competition, IGAHAF’s best-performing beneficiaries, and various cultural presentations such as the IGAHAF Ballet and Reading Culture presentation, among others.
