By Onwa Ekor
Piqued by the constraints faced by students in tertiary institutions, Cross River Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, has disbursed the sum of ₦10 million to over 60 students, for his 2025 scholarship programme.
Presenting the scholarship funds of ₦150,000 to each of the beneficiaries at Sir Thompson Egbe Educational Foundation, Anong in Abi local government area, Cross River, Osogi explained that the initiative was designed to assist in the payment of tuition fees and to encourage indigent students of the area to remain focused on their academic pursuits.
Recalling his university days as a student unionist at the University of Calabar, the Commissioner said, “I passed through the rigorous process of being a student in pursuit of education, and I understand the difficulties students face while navigating through school,” maintaining that “the financial support you are receiving today will go a long way to assist you.”
He urged the beneficiaries to excel academically and strive to graduate with good grades.
Osogi added that the programme would be sustained as a legacy project, adding that subsequent beneficiaries must maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5.
Expressing appreciation to the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, for his exemplary leadership and opportunity to serve, the donor pointed out that the empowerment initiative remains part of the governor’s vision in trickling down the season of sweetness to the people.
He advised the students to prepare for the future by avoiding social vices such as cultism, examination malpractices and impersonation, explaining that such behaviours were detrimental to their personal growth and academic progress.
Founding Coordinator of Sir Thompson Egbe Educational Foundation and Sector Chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Port Harcourt, Dr. Pringle Egbe, stated that the selection process was transparent and merit-based, admitting that only qualified students with a CGPA of 3.5 and above benefited from the programme.
The duo of Ntarezep Elijah and Inyang Emmanuel, both students of the University of Calabar, lauded Osogi for his benevolence as they described the support as timely, pledging to utilize the funds judiciously for their academic needs.
In their goodwill messages, the Vice Chairman of Abi local government area, Hon. Joseph Ukata and Barr. Rosemary Onah among others, commended Osogi for his philanthropic spirit and unwavering commitment to promoting education in Abi and Yakurr communities.
Similarly, the 2025/2026 Yakurr Students Scholarship Programme was officially flagged off, marking another phase of the educational initiative and reaffirming Osogi’s enduring dedication to human capital development.
According to the Commissioner, a total of ₦20 million will also be disbursed to beneficiaries from Yakurr local government area due to the population size and educational demography of the area.
The event marked a significant milestone, re-echoing the Commissioner’s strong belief in education as a key driver of youth empowerment and community development.
