A former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, on Saturday, announced the institution of an educational trust fund for indigent citizens in the state.
Ibori, who was governor from 1999 – 2007, disclosed the establishment of the Otemu Educational Foundation (OEF), on his verified Facebook page.
He said the gesture is aimed at providing educational support for young Deltans who are unable to meet their educational needs.
Ibori emphasized the pivotal role that education plays in breaking the cycle of poverty while expressing his commitment to levelling the field for indigent citizens of the state.
He said, “It is with great pride and a profound sense of purpose that I introduce the Otemu Educational Foundation (OEF). This initiative was born from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education and a commitment to uplift the indigent yet incredibly talented youth of Delta State, Nigeria.”
He said the foundation aims to create a more equitable educational environment by offering scholarships to gifted students who lack the financial means to continue their education, and highlighted the long-term goal of empowering young people to rise above their circumstances and contribute positively to society.
“We recognize the vital role education plays in breaking the cycle of poverty, and our foundation is committed to providing scholarships and resources to talented students who would otherwise lack the financial means to pursue their academic dreams.
“By investing in these bright young minds, we are not only fostering individual growth but also empowering future leaders who will drive positive change in their communities and beyond,” he added.
The foundation is currently developing a comprehensive, digitally driven selection process designed to ensure that beneficiaries are chosen based on both their academic potential and personal integrity. A dedicated online portal for the scholarship application process is expected to be launched soon, marking the beginning of the foundation’s recruitment season.
Ibori concluded his announcement by inviting the public, including potential donors and partners, to support the initiative. He stressed that the success of the foundation will depend on collective efforts and community involvement.
“We believe that education is the cornerstone of progress and development. Our goal is to create an environment where every student, regardless of socioeconomic background, has access to quality education and the resources needed to succeed.
With the support of our communities, partners, and donors, we are confident that the Otemu Educational Foundation will make a significant impact, creating a brighter and more equitable future for all,” he said.
