The Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has formally reaffirmed the state’s commitment to education, describing it as the fundamental bedrock of societal advancement. Speaking at a recent ceremony, Mrs. Anani dismissed contemporary cynical narratives regarding the value of formal learning, emphasizing that academic pursuit remains a critical pathway to success.
The remarks were delivered during the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Enrollment Scholarship Award Ceremony, hosted by the Women’s Wing of the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW). The event took place at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City.
Addressing the audience, the ENAW Women's Affairs Coordinator, Mrs. Meg Ogbeide Uzz, announced a significant increase in the association’s philanthropic reach.
2024 Enrollment: 360 scholarships awarded.
Previous Session: 300 scholarships awarded.
Mrs. Uzz noted that the expansion of the program is a direct response to the increasing need for academic financial assistance within the region.
Engr. Bose Oviasu outlined a broadening mandate for the association. She revealed that ENAW is currently finalizing plans to scale the scholarship scheme beyond secondary education to include comprehensive university sponsorships, ensuring a continuum of support for high achieving students.
Adding a regulatory perspective, Dr. Rita Erewele, Executive Chairman of the Senior Secondary Education Board, commended the initiative. Dr. Erewele characterized the scholarships as a proactive intervention, asserting that investing in student enrollment today serves as a vital strategy to mitigate future socioeconomic challenges and youth restiveness.
