https://punchng.com/foundation-empowers-indigent-students-with-laptops-cash-in-edo/

An NGO group, Osaide for Girls in Science and Engineering Foundation, on Tuesday, empowered three indigent students of the University of Benin with laptops (worth N1.4m each) and cash prizes of N250,000 each.

Six other indigent students from various secondary schools in the state were also empowered by the foundation.The students were given N50,000 each and other school materials. They are Paul Favour Ayhemere (Queen Ede), Efosa Victory (Emotan), Omoruyi Lauretta Osaiyekemwen (Emotan), Omobude Osasumwen Mirabel (Imaguero) and Gabriel Favour (Imaguero).

Speaking at the event, the founder of the foundation, Engr. Dr. Patricia Nekpen Opene-Odili said the foundation’s objective is to encourage indigent students, especially the girl-child who want to go to school but is being frustrated due to lack of funds.

Engr.Dr. Patricia Opene-Odili said the UNIBEN undergraduates who have been empowered are at 300 level studying Petrochemical Engineering, while the other secondary school students are in SS1.

Opene-Odili said funds should not be a barrier to children who want to go to school because of the importance of education in our society.She said, “What we have done is to support indigent students with funds and school materials to help them realise their ambition of getting quality education. We will pay for the WASSCE and the UTME fees for the secondary students.

On her part,  the President of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, Engr. Adebisi Osim, while speaking on the theme ‘Inspiring the future of STEAM Empowering Indigent Students Through Scholarship Opportunity,’ said across the world, education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and driving sustainable development.

She said however, many bright and talented young girls in our communities still face significant financial barriers that hinder their dreams of pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics – STEAM – but today, they are changing that narrative.

Engr. Dr. Adebisi Osim said through this initiative, they are lighting the path for the next generation of female engineers, scientists, innovators, and leaders.

Responding on behalf of the recipients, Eweka Ivie, thanked the foundation for the support and promised that they would justify the confidence the foundation has in them by graduating with top grades.