By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
More than 113 widows, widowers and undergraduates from Akwa Ibom have benefited from this year’s cash gifts, business start ups and scholarships funded by the Apostle Elijah Jack, AEJ Foundation
The gesture, which is an annual even to celebrate the birthday of Apostle Elijah Jack saw one hundred widows/ widowers from ONNA Local Council of the state receive cbusiness start ups, and food items while indigenous students of Tertiary institutions within Nigeria received scholarships.
Announcing the beneficiaries of the scheme during the birthday celebration of Jack yesterday in ONNA, chairman of the Scholarship committee, Dr Ohuka Ruskin said that the programme was designed to create an indelible impact on the lives of students and youths across the council.
Ruskin noted that the scholarship scheme was borne out of the Founder’s desire to invest in the future of the youths, with the scholarship meant to last for a semester while the beneficiaries could reapply.
On how the beneficiaries were selected, Ruskin explained that “after the advertisement, 70 people applied for the scholarship but only 23 students uploaded their documents( admission letter, last school fee receipt, letter of recommendation etc), so that made 47 applicants disqualified.
“An online test was also conducted for the 23 successful candidates with a pass mark of 60 percent, again only 13 student passed the online test and we’re screened and granted the scholarship.
“100 widows and widowers went home with food items and cash empowerment to start up businesses. All these were done as part of event to celebrate our sponsor’s birthday Apostle Dr Elijah Akpan Jack”
Speaking earlier, Jack, who is also the chairman of AEJ Foundation said the Foundation is anchored on principles of love, empathy, selflessness and positive change to the lives of the vulnerable and poor.
He said aside the scholarship, the Foundation also provided essential medical care to underprivileged individuals in various communities, business startup empowerment for individuals as well as provisions of financial materials and food item support to widows and widowers.
The Cleric however called on individuals and humanitarian organisations to join hands with him in the pursuit of the empowerment agenda.
“Your support, whether big or small, will make an immeasurable difference in the lives of those we serve. Let us march forward, shoulder to shoulder, with compassion as our guide and humanity as our compass. Together, we shall create a world where love reigns supreme, where the warmth of kindness touches every heart, and where no one is left behind.” He said.
Jack stated that his motive behind the scholarship was to promote the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno adding that as a firm believer in the transformative power of education, he was committed to nurturing exceptional students who have exhibited outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, and a strong drive towards making positive impact in the society.
“We understand the financial challenges that can hinder students from realizing their full potential, and our foundation is dedicated to breaking down those barriers, ensuring that brilliant students have the opportunity to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields.” He added.
One of the beneficiary students, Shadrach Peter who is also the President of ONNA Students Worldwide and studying Marine Engineering on behalf of others said the scholarship would ease the financial stress on his parents and pledged to put more efforts in his studies.
“I applied for the scholarship because I was having some financial challenges. I believe it will help me a lot in my academic pursuit and help my parents.
“I feel very delighted and I express my sincere gratitude to Apostle Dr Elijah for coming up with this initiative, it is people who love God and humanity that would want to invest in the future that can do this. An investment in knowledge is the greatest profit.” He said
