A total of 262 students and pupils from various educational levels have benefited from the 2024 Educational Support Grant provided by Chief Abraham Otti, a prominent philanthropist from Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State. The grants were awarded following a rigorous selection examination.
The selection process was inclusive, allowing any tertiary institution student whose parents reside in Umuchu to participate, regardless of whether they are indigenes. Secondary and primary school categories were reserved for students attending schools in Umuchu. Comrade Lotanna Ejezie, Coordinator of the Organizing Committee, announced that 20 undergraduates, 96 secondary school students, and 146 primary school pupils met the cut-off mark.
The grant distribution ceremony took place at Community Primary School, Achalla, Umuchu. The top undergraduate, Stanley Kelechi Ezeonyejiaku, a fifth-year medical student at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, received one million naira. The first runner-up, Benard Somtochukwu Ezeoru, a law student at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, received N500,000, while the second runner-up, ThankGod Chijioke Ezekwuike, a law student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, received N200,000.
In the secondary school category, Vivian Ifechukwu Ilo of Holy Name Secondary School, Umuchu, received N200,000 as the top student. Chinwendu Ezenwafor of Shammah International School, Umuchu, and Sunday Ikechukwu Iloh of Government Technical College, Umuchu, received N100,000 and N50,000, respectively.
For primary schools, Chikamso Onyemaechi of Esther Generation Academy, Umuchu, was awarded N150,000 as the top pupil. The first runner-up, Rita Unekwe of Holy Name Nursery and Primary School, Umuchu, received N100,000, and the second runner-up, Chinemerem Nnebedum of Primary School Ibughubu, Umuchu, received N50,000.
Other selected undergraduates received N50,000 each, secondary school students N30,000 each, and primary school pupils N20,000 each.
Chief Otti, represented by his Personal Assistant, Mr. Ikenna Ifemeje, highlighted the grant as one of his initiatives to give back to society and support education in Umuchu. He urged the students to strive for excellence and committed to sustaining the program.
Chief Charles Ezenwabasili, President General of Umuchu Community, praised Chief Otti’s efforts and encouraged students to work hard to be future recipients. Chief Chimezie Ike, Chairman of the Achalla Umuchu Representative Assembly, acknowledged the event as a milestone for the community and called on other affluent individuals to follow Otti’s example.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Chief Otti, promising to make the most of the opportunity. The event concluded with the presentation of cheques to the recipients.
