By Obidike Jerry
Ogidi women in Lagos recently launched their website, scholarship and skill acquisition schemes. The scholarship scheme, which had been running since 2003, was formally launched to attract more funding so as to increase the number of beneficiaries, while the website was in response to growing needs of the times.
During the event, the women showcased Ogidi’s rich culture and tradition in a spectacular fashion to the admiration of guests, with members of each quarter vying to outdo the other with their dance steps, rhythm and footwork, leaving everyone enthralled.
In her welcome speech, Dr. Chinwe Obikwelu, president, Ogidi Union Nigeria, Women Wing, said: “In the years past, the union has organised and executed many laudable projects and programmes for the development of womanhood and Ogidi in general.
“In the quest to curb moral decadence, unemployment, academic backwardness and uplift the dignity of Ogidi youths, we embarked on a scholarship project in 2003 to assist indigent Ogidi youths in various higher institutions of learning.
“For even development, all the four quarters in Ogidi (Akanano, Uru, Ezinkwo and Ikenga) are given equal opportunities. The same number of candidates is selected from each quarter based on the credibility of the applicants.
“In the 2016/2017 academic session, we sponsored 10 undergraduates in different higher institutions.
“Many Ogidi youths have graciously benefitted from this laudable project. Some of the beneficiaries came out with second class, upper division.
“In the last set of 2013/2014, one of our candidates graduated with First Class.”
She commended the wife of Anambra State governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano, who was represented by Mrs. Uloma J. Wise, Senior Special Assistant/Liaison Officer, for the good work being done by her husband, Chief Willie Obiano.
Obikwelu sought the partnership of the Anambra State government in attaining higher goals, saying: “We want to applaud the good work your husband, Chief Willie Obiano, is doing in our great state. Today, we experience sanity and high-level security; this has, among other things, provided safe environment for investors.
“We are happy for the prompt payment of workers’ salaries, construction of roads and bridges, promotion of agriculture, which has translated to the production of Anambra rice, and increase in food supply both for domestic and commercial purposes.
“Ma, we feel very excited to work in line with your pet project, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ), which has given succour to the helpless.
“With the present economic situation in the country, we intend increasing the funding we are giving and the number of our beneficiaries too. We, therefore, solicit your assistance in this noble project. Thank you for being part of this legacy we intend to bequeath to the younger generation.”
Responding, the governor’s wife pledged to work with Ogidi women towards the realisation of their goal as it was in line with her programme.
The traditional ruler of Ogidi, who was represented by Chief Ifeanyichukwu Okaro, wished the organisers a successful outing while enjoining his subjects to participate in similar activities for the advancement of humanity.
The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of Miss Chidinma Maduka, a beneficiary who graduated with First Class. She was showcased as a symbol and endorsement of the success of the scheme.
Chidinma Maduka, who majored in Medical Laboratory Science at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was full of gratitude when she spoke: “I began benefitting from the scheme in 2012; it continued till I graduated. They never failed in giving me the money. Not only that, they ensured that I performed up to expectations because I had to send in my result after each session for them to see.”
She admitted that the scheme was a big boost not only to her but some other beneficiaries and advised would-be beneficiaries to have their goals spelt out.
“We are here today to raise more funds for the project. Our benefactors want to increase the number of beneficiaries because a lot of people are out there looking for this opportunity.
“Those who are already benefiting from it should use it well because it is intended to give them the opportunity to receive good education.”
Miss Maduka said she planned to go for postgraduate studies in Medical Laboratory Science and upon graduation, come back to support the scheme.