BY. OSARETYN ASEMOTA-ERO , BENIN CITY.
The Cowrie 25 Club has awarded scholarships to undergraduate students of the University of Benin and Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma reaffirming its commitment to supporting indigent and high-performing students from Edo South Senatorial District.
The award ceremony, held in the Rev. Dundon Hall, at the University of Benin, was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie (SAN) who was represented by Prof. David Izekor, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu and the Oliha of Benin Kingdom, Chief Edionwe Oliha, among other dignitaries.
Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, Dr. Toni Ogunbor, said the initiative reflects Cowrie 25 long-standing mission to invest in the human capital of Edo South.
He noted that the club comprises accomplished sons of the district—Industrialists, Chartered Accountants, Oil and Oil operators, Bankers, Engineers, Architects, Medical Professionals, IT specialists and Entrepreneurs—who benefitted from quality education and are now giving back.
Ogunbor announced that the club is establishing N100 million Education Trust Fund lots, each dedicated to sustaining tertiary-level scholarships. “This will ensure long-term funding and expansion of the scheme to more institutions,” he said.
Since restructuring the scholarship into a post-secondary program, the Cowrie 25 Club has supported 91 students in three years. The new batch brings the tally even higher, with the award trend showing steady growth:
The scholarship—valued at N100,000 yearly for the general category and N200,000 for the merit-based Cowrie Scholar award—is open to 200-level students in UNIBEN and Ambrose Alli University.
Eligible fields include Accounting, Law, Engineering, Economics, ICT, Medical Sciences, and Education, among others. A minimum CGPA of 3.5 is required, with priority given to indigent students.
Ogunbor said the Club’s motivation comes from the recognition that modern societies can only thrive through an educated and productive population.
“Without good quality education, a people cannot be creative and competitive in today’s world. Education made us who we are, and we want to create similar opportunities for others,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to take the awards seriously and excel in their chosen fields, stressing that Cowrie 25 members themselves climbed to success through discipline, education, and hard work.
Secretary of the Education Committee, Engr. Osa Owieadolor says, Cowrie 25 will be encouraged to do more if the beneficiaries continue to excel in their academic pursuit.
“Over the past three years, we have seen that growth from 15, 32, 45 and it’s going to continue to grow”.
Benin kingdom’s head of Uzama n’ihiron Chief Edionwe Oliha of Benin, appealed to other well-meaning individuals and groups to emulate the exemplary gesture of the Cowrie 25 club, calling on them to support education and contribute to the development of Edo South in similar or even greater ways.
“There are many who are blessed and can make a difference. We appeal to you to follow the example of Cowrie 25 club. Your contributions, no matter how small they may seem, can change the lives of many students and bring prosperity to our community,”
“Let me emphasize that this act of kindness and philanthropy is in line with the cultural values of Benin kingdom, which cherishes community support and mutual uplift”.
“Let me emphasize that this act of kindness and philanthropy is in line with the cultural values of Benin kingdom, which cherishes community support and mutual uplift”, Chief Oliha said
In his goodwill message, Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, says the scholarships to the students will enable them grow into individuals of substance and influence in the society. “Education is a fundamental key to changing the world for it unlocks a lot of potentials”.
According to the Iyamu, “the present administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo appreciates partnerships and initiatives that contribute to the advancement of education noting that the Cowrie 25 club’s scholarship award is a notable example of corporate social responsibility and support for the State’s educational development”.
Expressing gratitude to Cowrie 25 club, on behalf of other beneficiaries for finding them worthy, Joy Isowamwen, Odion Destiny and Kimberly Ogbebor, assured the group of their committed use of the scholarships to beter their lives.
