The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, on Saturday disbursed over N140 million in scholarships to 683 undergraduates under the 2025 edition of the Monday Onyeme Foundation Scholarship Scheme.
The ceremony, held in Asaba, marked another milestone for the foundation, which Onyeme established in 2017 to support educational advancement across Delta North Senatorial District.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor said the initiative was born out of a deep conviction that education remains the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. He noted that the scholarship programme was designed to ensure that no child in Delta North is denied access to education due to financial constraints.
Onyeme described the annual ceremony as more than the issuance of cheques, but an opportunity to help shape the destinies of future leaders. He added that every beneficiary represented a family uplifted and a community strengthened.
Onyeme congratulated the 683 successful students and urged them to remain focused on their studies, uphold good character, and cultivate the spirit of giving back to society as they progress in life.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment through Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, stressing that human capital development remains central to the administration’s vision for a prosperous Delta.
The event also attracted several dignitaries who supported the foundation by awarding additional cash gifts ranging from N50,000 to N200,000 to the top performers.
With this year’s disbursement, the total number of beneficiaries who have passed through the scheme since 2017 has risen to over 2,500.
During the ceremony, the Deputy Governor presented cheques to the overall best students from the three federal constituencies in Delta North.
In the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Osemeke Deborah received N600,000 as the top scorer, while Divine Favour Onyekachi and Odogwu Chukwuka received N500,000 each for emerging second. Odega Uche and Samuel Emeke received N400,000 each as third-place winners.
Top performers from the Ika Federal Constituency and Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency were also rewarded accordingly.
The Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, represented by Sir Vincent Ugbalase, commended the Deputy Governor for sustaining the initiative and congratulated the beneficiaries.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. John Tonukari, represented by Dr. Emoefe Okpimah, praised the Monday Onyeme Foundation and urged students to pursue their studies diligently, emphasizing that education remains a valuable investment.
The Vice Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Prof. Ben Oghojafor, represented by Prof. C. O. Chukwuji, likewise described the scholarship scheme as exemplary and worthy of emulation.
Earlier, the foundation’s Coordinator, Mr. Leo Ubuane, noted that the Monday Onyeme Foundation has remained consistent in supporting educational development across the district since its establishment.
