. . . Launches ₦5m Scholarship Scheme
A socio-cultural pressure group, the Like-Minds Association of Abam-ama Okrika, popularly known as OSCARMI, has empowered indigent persons in Abam-Ama community in Okrika Loca Government Area of Rivers State with palliatives to assist them with the pressures of the Yuletide season.
This is as the group has also raised five million naira for an Education Trust Fund to support indigent families in the community.
Chairman of OSCARMI, Oriaye Ikpaki, while speaking at it’s formal inauguration and fund raising programme , said the association is committed to delivering people-focused initiatives that produce real and measurable impact in the community.
Oriaye Ikpaki whose address was read by his Vice, Tamunobelema Bamson, disclosed that OSCARMI is actively collaborating with stakeholders and relevant government agencies to fast-track development in the community.
He said the group has provided palliatives to over 100 persons since its inception.
” We have the aim of cartering for the welfare of the aged and indigent persons in the community. We have provided palliatives to this category of persons since our inception as follows: In 2022 we were able to reachout to 30 persons, in 2023 we reachout to 50 persons and in 2024, 55 persons. We have been able to increase our number from 55 to 70 persons today, ” he said.
Acknlodging that the burden is much, but the chairman expressed the hope that with the support of partners it is surmontable.
”Also, in this programme we intend to launch a five million naira education trust fund to assist indigent families in the education of their children as well as to encourage our students to pursue their acandemics. We know it is a great load but with your financial and moral support it is achievable, ” he added.
Speaking on the topic “Charity,” a renowned philanthropist, indigene of Abam-Ama, and Patron of OSCARMI, Comrade Tekena ThankGod Ikpaki, challenged privileged persons of the community to embrace charity as a practical expression of love and responsibility to one another
To support the initiative, he awarded eight scholarships and made additional financial contributions to strengthen the Education Trust Fund.
”There is a reason why God has given you whatever you are able to control today and after using it to serve God, the next reason is to use it to serve humanity.
”I will add another eight to make it ten schoolarships from whatever level you the beneficiaries are, I will train you till you graduate, ” he stated.
