The President, Enemona Humanitarian Foundation, Amb. Enemona Gabriel Onoja, on Sunday said plans have been concluded to give full scholarships to over 1,000 vulnerable children in communities in Kogi.
Onoja disclosed this at the Maiden Igala National Youth Summit, celebrated with the theme, ”The Role of the Youth in Kogi East Development Agenda”, and held in Lagos.
He said the scholarships would be offered to pupils, who will be fed at least once a week to provide nutrient for their mental development, in communities in Inele Ugoh, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi.
According to Onoja, by September this year, over 1,000 children in Inele Ugoh, will be given full scholarships to study in primary and secondary schools.
”We will enroll and give them free books, uniforms, sandals, games and compound wears and possibly a school bus.
”We shall recruit teachers in relevant subject areas who will be paid and motivated by the foundation them to enable them stay. We intend to feed the children at the nursery section at least once a week,” he said.
Onoja also said that as part of effort to rid the zone of criminal elements, the foundation had organised youths into cooperatives for artisenal mining on numerous sites that abound across the state.
He added that the cooperatives had empowered no fewer than 300 youth groups who are now making decent living that has kept them off criminality.
He advised the youths to be ready to demand accountability from those serving now and make sure that good politicians emerge in 2023 by mobilizing votes and ensuring that their votes are counted.
He added: ”we must also champion the fight against cultism, thuggery, political killings, election malpractices, imposition of bad and failed leaders, destruction of community property and every index that makes us under-developed”.
Onoja, a guest of honour at the summit, called on youths in Kogi East to mobilise against politicians who have failed in current positions from emerging in the forthcoming general elections.
He stressed that the zone would be developed, if only the youth could identify and work for the emergence of those with integrity, compassion and capabilities to effect sustainable development in the zone.
He, therefore, urged the people to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and ensure the transfer of same to their localities (those who did not registered at home) for possible casting of votes for acceptable candidates.
He commended the organisers of the summit for their efforts to raise consciousness of the youth for excellence in their chosen vocations, saying even the distance could not affect their patriotism.
He urged other Igala citizens from across the country to emulate Lagos chapter for the growth of the people.
He urged participants to use their connections to attract investors to explore minerals in the zone, towards engaging and providing employment for their people and bringing prosperity to their land.
The Convener of the summi, Mr Alhassan Tijani, commended Onoja for his efforts at providing succour to widows, orphans and gainful sources of livelihoods to the people.
He enjoined other philanthropists and well-to-do individuals to contribute their quota to the development of their father land.