The Imo Community of Tampa Bay, Inc., USA, on Friday, 22nd August 2024, awarded scholarships of ₦100,000 each to 20 students of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri.
In a press release by Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah, Special Assistant to the Rector on Media Matters, the award ceremony, held at the institution, was graced by eminent personalities, including High Chief Emeka Eziakonwa (Ikemba Ngor Okpala), President of Imo Community of Tampa Bay, USA.
In his address before the presentation, High Chief Eziakonwa commended the Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, for providing the enabling environment that ensured a transparent and successful selection process.
He noted that while this was not his first interaction with the institution, the occasion created a closer bond, enabling him to appreciate the remarkable transformational strides of the present administration.
Chief Eziakonwa explained that the scholarship represents a conscious effort by the Imo Community of Tampa Bay to give back to students of Imo origin studying in higher institutions, with particular focus on Imo State.
He revealed that although initial participation in the essay competition was low, the vigorous push from the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Saint Paul Christopher, ensured a successful exercise. He further assured that the project will continue annually, with next year’s edition accommodating even more participants.
Speaking in support, Dr. Saint Paul Christopher recounted the collaborative efforts of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) and the National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS) in mobilizing students to participate.
He expressed gratitude to the organizers for opening such a life-changing opportunity, noting that the beneficiaries were overwhelmed with joy and relief. He encouraged the Tampa group to sustain the initiative and explore additional avenues of impact.
Also present was Hon. Henry Nwawuba, Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, who commended the group for remembering home while abroad. He encouraged the community to extend their influence beyond scholarships by exploring investment opportunities that could positively transform the FedPoly Nekede community. Hon. Nwawuba also pledged to engage with the Rector to facilitate institutional benefits through the Library Trust Fund.
In her response, the Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Igbokwe, was visibly emotional as she expressed profound gratitude to the Imo Community of Tampa Bay for their generosity.
She particularly thanked High Chief Eziakonwa for personally traveling from the United States to present the scholarships. The Rector urged the group to ensure more robust publicity and seamless registration processes in subsequent editions, assuring them of the full support of the Rector’s Media Office and the Student Affairs Division.
Dr. Igbokwe also recognized and appreciated the presence of Hon. Nwawuba, noting that his involvement would help fast-track several intervention projects awaiting attention in the institution.
Admonishing the beneficiaries, the Rector tasked them to judiciously utilize the ₦100,000 scholarships to advance their education, remain focused in their studies, and continually remember the benefactors in their prayers.
The gesture, she affirmed, aligns with her administration’s 11-Point Agenda, particularly its cardinal focus on student welfare, which remains a top priority.
