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By Joy Osaji
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has announced plans to support the educational development of some orphans at City of Refuge Orphanage home, Abuja, through her scholarship programme.
This is even as she renewed her commitment to empowering elderly citizens in the society.
Onyejeocha made the pledge at the weekend when she visited some orphanage and elderly people centres in Abuja to distribute food and other essential items to mark her birthday.
Among the center visited by the minister and her team include: City of Refuge Orphanage, Durumi, Destined Children’s Home, Kado Estate and Old People’s Home, where she distributed bags of rice, garri, noodles, toiletories, beverages, water and other essentials.
Speaking after the visit, Onyejeocha noted that while providing food items was essential, it was equally important to empower the children to secure a brighter future for them. She expressed her conviction that “among these young individuals, future leaders are waiting to emerge, and offering them scholarships would be a pivotal step in turning their dreams into reality”.
According to her, “education is the cornerstone of personal growth, empowerment, and socio-economic mobility. But for children like this, accessing quality education is the challenge. This is where scholarships come in, a vital lifeline that can transform the lives of these vulnerable children.
“Without education, they risk being trapped in a cycle of poverty, with limited opportunities for personal and professional growth. I believe scholarships can break this cycle by providing them with the financial support, no matter how big or small, they need to pursue their dreams”.
“I see education as the only tool to build their confidence, self-esteem, and emotional resilience to develop their full potential and become active, contributing members of society.
“This is a call to action, and as leaders, we have the responsibility to inspire hope and offer these children a sense of belonging and connection, helping them feel seen, heard, and valued”, she said.
