Scholarships As Lifelines: Delta Commends OMO Foundation’s Education Drive
Delta Govt Lauds OMO Foundation’s Investment in Education
THE Delta State Government has commended the Oritsegbegbemi Maurice Ojo-Ede (OMO) Foundation for expanding access to education through scholarships and tuition grants awarded to outstanding and indigent students across the state.
The commendation came during the OMO Foundation Scholarship and Tuition Grant Presentation Ceremony held on 22 February 2026, at Protea Hotel, Warri. Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, described the initiative as a strategic intervention that aligns with the administration’s education policy and the MORE Agenda — an acronym for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
Scholarships as Instruments of Opportunity
Dr. Ashibuogwu said the scholarship scheme goes beyond financial assistance, describing it as a transformational tool capable of shaping futures and strengthening society.
“A loan is repayable; a grant is not. Scholarships are awarded on merit, while grants are provided based on need. Our beneficiaries today are privileged to receive both,” he said.
He noted that such initiatives reduce tuition burdens, eliminate barriers to education, promote academic excellence, nurture leadership capacity, and open doors to future career opportunities. According to him, no deserving student should be denied quality education because of financial limitations.
The commissioner added that the foundation’s effort complements the state government’s broader vision of inclusive development and sustainable progress, emphasizing that education remains central to human capital development.
Foundation Founder Praised for Philanthropic Leadership
Dr. Ashibuogwu singled out the founder of the OMO Foundation, Dr. Maurice Ojo-Ede, for demonstrating exemplary leadership through personal commitment to community advancement.
“Not everyone in public office makes such personal commitments to development. What you are doing supports our efforts and contributes meaningfully to national growth,” he stated.
He urged beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity and to give back to society when they achieve success.
Federal Support for Youth Empowerment
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by Chief Anthony Ofoni, Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, described the initiative as a forward-looking investment in the nation’s future.
He said the programme reflects a deliberate strategy to “catch them young” and channel youthful energy toward productivity and leadership.
“These children are the future of tomorrow. From this foundation, we can produce a President, a Governor, or a Minister. What may look small today will yield great results tomorrow,” he said, offering prayers for the sustainability of the initiative.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
Earlier, Dr. Ojo-Ede described the 2026 ceremony, themed “Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders,” as a celebration of potential and perseverance rather than merely a distribution of awards.
He said ten exceptional students—five in Basic and Secondary education and five undergraduates—were selected based on merit, resilience, and determination.
“Each beneficiary represents courage, hard work, and hope. Talent, when supported, can rise beyond limitations and transform lives,” he said.
He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to nurturing young minds and thanked partners and dignitaries for their support.
Among the dignitaries present were the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani; Commissioner for Youth, Barr. ThankGod Trakriowei; Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure; Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Hon. Isaac Agbateyiniro; and Special Adviser to the Minister, Youth Olorogun Voke Oshasha.
The ceremony underscored a growing partnership between government and private stakeholders to strengthen educational access as a pathway to sustainable development in Delta State and Nigeria at large.
