ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, on Saturday reaffirmed his commitment to educational empowerment as he presented cheques to 683 beneficiaries of the 2025 Monday Onyeme Foundation Scholarship Scheme, with a total disbursement exceeding N140 million.
The gesture, formally announced at an event held in Asaba, marks the latest milestone for the scholarship scheme which he established in 2017 to promote access to quality education for students across Delta North.
In his remarks, Sir Onyeme said the initiative was “driven by a deep conviction that education is the most potent weapon against poverty,” adding that the ceremony represented more than just the issuance of financial aid, but the opening of “new chapters in the lives of our future leaders.”
He noted that with the 683 students who passed the September aptitude test now added, the total number of beneficiaries has risen to over 2,500 since inception. “This is not a political statistic; it is a tangible testament to the power of commitment and compassion in governance. Every single beneficiary represents a family lifted and a community empowered,” he said.
Addressing the students, Onyeme charged them to be focused, disciplined, and to serve as ambassadors of excellence. He urged them to “shun distractions and prioritise your studies,” reminding them that Delta State was “investing in your minds, and we expect excellent returns.” He further appealed to them to give back to society when they become established.
Sir Onyeme, who commended the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for its dedication to human capital development through the MORE Agenda, assured that government would continue promoting youth empowerment, skills development and educational advancement.
The event attracted several dignitaries including members of the Delta State House of Assembly, who individually rewarded the top scorers with cash gifts ranging from N50,000 to N200,000. Those in attendance included Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, and Hon. Obi Nzete, among others.
Chairman of the ceremony, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, represented by Sir Vincent Ugbalase, congratulated the beneficiaries and applauded Onyeme’s initiative. In separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. John Tonukari (represented by Dr. Emoefe Okpimah), Vice Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Prof. Ben Oghojafor (represented by Prof. Chukwuji C.O), Hon. Emeka Nwaobi and Hon. Barry Gbe commended the foundation, urging students to remain committed to their studies.
Earlier, the Foundation Coordinator, Mr. Leo Ubuane, highlighted the impact of the scheme since inception, affirming its dedication to educational development across the region.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of cheques to the top performers from the three federal constituencies. In Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, overall best student Osemeke Deborah received N600,000, while Divine Favour Onyekachi and Odogwu Chukwuka (joint second) received N500,000 each. Odega Uche and Samuel Emeke, who placed third, received N400,000 each. Top scorers from Ika and Ndokwa/Ukwuani constituencies also received their awards amid cheers.
The ceremony ended with applause as dignitaries further supported the top beneficiaries with additional cash gifts, reinforcing the foundation’s message of encouragement, empowerment and collective responsibility.
