The Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) has demonstrated its commitment to community development by awarding scholarships to fifty deserving students of Esan origin pursuing higher education in Lagos State. This initiative, a cornerstone of AEP’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, aims to invest in the future of Esanland by supporting the educational aspirations of its youth. Each scholarship recipient received a grant of N150,000, providing crucial financial assistance for their academic pursuits. The beneficiaries, selected from the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and Yaba College of Technology, represent a diverse range of academic disciplines and reflect the association’s dedication to fostering intellectual growth across various fields. This inaugural scholarship program marks the beginning of an annual commitment by AEP to empower the next generation of Esan professionals.
The selection process, meticulously overseen by a dedicated screening committee, ensured that the grants reached students who demonstrated both academic merit and financial need. The committee, composed of experienced professionals, adhered to strict criteria to identify the most deserving candidates from across the five local government areas that constitute Esanland: Esan Central, Esan South-East, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Igueben. Maintaining a balanced representation across these regions, the committee selected ten students from each local government, promoting equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. The rigorous selection process, though challenging, ultimately guaranteed that the scholarships impacted students who would benefit the most from this financial support.
Dr. Henry Egbiki, President of AEP, emphasized the significance of this scholarship program as a tangible expression of the association’s commitment to giving back to Esanland. Recognizing the transformative power of education, AEP views this initiative as a strategic investment in the long-term development of the Esan community. By alleviating the financial burden on students and their families, the scholarships empower them to focus on their studies and reach their full academic potential. Dr. Egbiki reiterated AEP’s dedication to making this scholarship program an annual event, solidifying their commitment to nurturing future generations of Esan professionals.
Mr. Judge Okoyo, Chairman of the screening committee, echoed Dr. Egbiki’s sentiments, highlighting the scholarships as a significant contribution to the educational landscape of Esanland. He emphasized the meticulous efforts of the committee to ensure a transparent and fair selection process, overcoming various challenges to identify the most deserving recipients. Mr. Okoyo underscored the importance of community involvement in fostering educational development and expressed his hope that this initiative would inspire other organizations to invest in the future of Esanland.
The recipients of the scholarships expressed their profound gratitude for the financial support, recognizing the impact it would have on their academic journeys. Oziegbe St. Joseph, a 300-level architecture student at the University of Lagos, speaking on behalf of his fellow beneficiaries, conveyed their heartfelt appreciation to AEP. He acknowledged the association’s commitment to empowering Esan youth and prayed for continued success in their endeavors. The scholarships, he noted, would not only alleviate financial pressures but also serve as a source of motivation to excel in their studies.
Another beneficiary, Paulina Godfrey, also a 300-level student at the University of Lagos, expressed her surprise and gratitude for the unexpected support. She recognized the significance of this grant in enabling her to pursue her academic goals without financial constraints. Paulina pledged to utilize the scholarship responsibly, ensuring that it contributes to her academic success and ultimately enables her to contribute meaningfully to the Esan community. The gratitude expressed by the recipients underscored the impact of AEP’s initiative and reinforced the association’s commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of Esan youth.
