The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has brought celebration to thousands of students by rolling out its bursary awards for indigent students in its mandate areas. This initiative, championed by Board Chairman Chief John Nani and Managing Director Chief Festus Ochonogor, is being hailed as a significant step in supporting education.
Speaking to the DESOPADEC media crew, the Executive Director of Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor, stated that putting smiles on the faces of people in oil-bearing communities is a core vision of the commission. He emphasised that this aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's M.O.R.E Agenda, noting, "investing in education is the best legacy that can be bequeathed to the youth as leaders of tomorrow."
The Head of the Social Services Department, Mr. Jude Elaye Asiobe, detailed the painstaking process behind the awards, which allowed all eligible candidates to apply via an online platform. He confirmed that a total of 8,000 students are benefiting from this year's bursary. The breakdown of beneficiaries is as follows: Urhobo (2,000 students), Itsekiri (1,500), Ijaw (1,500), Ndokwa (1,000), Isoko (1,000), and Ika (1,000).
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the timely financial assistance. Miss Fega Obonobor and Miss Agbateyiniro Nina Bright thanked DESOPADEC for their efforts, noting that the bursary will "go a long way in ameliorating their financial hiccups" and provide much-needed support for their studies.
