Mokobia Rita
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed that the ₦50 million education fund promised to Miss Davina Ogheneovo be managed through a dedicated account operated by her parents to ensure the money is used exclusively for her schooling.
The governor gave the directive on Monday when he received Davina, a Junior Technical Two student of Model Technical College, Oghareki, in Ethiope West Local Government Area, alongside her mother, school principal and other officials at Government House, Asaba.
The meeting followed Davina’s extempore speech during the inauguration of the college last Friday, which prompted the governor to promise financial support for her education.
Oborevwori said the scholarship was intended to reward excellence and support the student’s academic ambitions. He added that Davina would take control of the account when she turned 18.
He assured the student and her family that the fund was intended to support her education through the technical college and university, thereby reducing the financial pressure on her parents.
“Education remains with you for life. You may acquire wealth and other things, but education is the best legacy you can give your children,” the governor said.
Oborevwori cited previous instances of government support for outstanding students, including Delta students who won the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, and received ₦20 million each. He also referred to support for exceptional university graduates.
According to the governor, Davina’s confidence and eloquence, even as she faced distractions during her speech, influenced his decision to support her education.
He also recalled helping a boy who had experienced abuse by providing scholarship support. The governor said the boy had completed secondary school and was now attending university, describing the intervention as part of his efforts to assist vulnerable children.
Davina, who hopes to become a medical doctor, thanked the governor for the education fund and praised the facilities provided at the technical college. She promised to concentrate on her studies and work to justify the support.
Her mother, Mrs Berkeley Ogheneovo, said the scholarship came as a surprise and would help her daughter pursue her education through university. She explained that she selected the technical college because she believed technical education could equip young people with practical skills.
The Commissioner for Technical Education, Mr Smart Ufoh, said the intervention reflected the government’s interest in educational development and support for promising students.
The Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Council, Hon. Christian Onogba, commended the state government for establishing the college in the area. He said the institution could help young people develop practical skills for self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
Onogba also pledged the council’s support for protecting the school’s infrastructure and called on residents to take responsibility for preserving the facilities.
