From Tony Osauzo, Benin

An NGO, Mathew Okpebholo Foundation, has rounded off its four-day annual outreach, with award of scholarships to 500 indigent students of Edo State origin in higher institutions to encourage them in their studies.

The beneficiaries of the awards are selected from various institutions across the country.

Announcing the awards, held at Uromi, headquarters of Esan-North East Local Government of Areaa of the state, the founder, Dr Mathew Okepebholo, said the essence ‘is to encourage intelligent students who are mostly indigent from the state.’

Okpebholo, a Bishop in the Church of God Mission, explained that the Foundation earmarked N25 million for payment to students studying in various public higher institutions in the country, adding each of them would receive N50,000 which would be credited to their bank accounts.‎

‘The beneficiaries are indigents of Edo with community origin and the funds are given to those who really need them.

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‘The next edition of the scholarship award will be increased to N100,000 per student,’ he said.

Some of the beneficiaries thanked the Foundation for the gesture and urged others to impart the desired knowledge on students.

Miss Amazemen Oturu, a beneficiary, commended the Foundation for the gesture and urged others to promote and encourage education in the state.

‘I had earlier borrowed money with the hope that when I do menial job I will refund the money. But with this scholarship now, I can easily refund the money and face other needs,’ she said.

Another beneficiary, Adoye Lawrence, a student of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, prayed for their benefactor and promised to make him proud in their educational pursuits.