By Fidel Ozugha
…continued from last week’s edition of part 1
The evening was not that of long speech but of action – walk the talk. Seventeen of the chosen indigent indigenes of the community were waiting on wings with their parents. After due protocol of opening prayer, traditional breaking of kolanut, a brief opening remarks by leader of the patriotic team, Dr. Okechukwu Ukekwe, names of winners of the 2023 edition’s grant were called. They stood out with their parents. It was a pregnant and auspicious moment expected.
Each person was handed over a flat belly envelope pregnant with a cheque of N150,000.00 (one hundred and fifty thousand Naira). It was a surprise package for the indigent students whose ways of how the session’s tuition fee would come were in limbo. Thus the package was a great panacea to the recipients.
Elder James Asiegwu, 80 years plus, from Akpu village was among the parents that accompanied their children to witness the ceremony. His daughter, Chidimma Asiegbu, was a beneficiary of the AUBA goodwill. She is an HND final year Microbiology student of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.
Elder James Asiegbu celebrates AUBA for making his final year daughter a recipient
On how they got the information, Elder Asiegbu explained that the good news got to them through some relation. ”I never knew that something like that exists in Abagana. May God keep, provide and protect all those who thought out this and went ahead to implement it. They sacrificed, put their money, put their efforts and suffered for the poor to benefit. God will not forget you people but will keep replenishing your pockets in Jesus, name. As old as I am, I never witnessed something like this in Abagana. So God will never forget or forsake you people because you did not forget the poor but think good of them.”
Chinecherem Emmanuela Odiegwu was among those spotted in the venue of the event. She came to show appreciation for what AUBA did in her life. So she came with her mother and sister – Chinaza, who was among the 2023 edition beneficiaries of the AUBA grant. With a grateful heart, she gave an insight of the rich value AUBA added to her life in her education pursuit:
”My family owes the AUBA a debt of gratitude.”
HerPerception of the Program: The AUBA scholarship program has been a beacon of hope for me, my mother, and my family. It is indeed worthy of praise for its impact on students like me from poor and underprivileged family backgrounds. I would like to say that the organizers have shown great wisdom and humanity in selecting candidates based on need and potential and merit. The program has significantly eased the financial burden on my family and allowed me to focus more on my studies.
Picture taken in the night showing some beneficiaries standing at the back of their parents
The Impact on her Education and Family: The scholarship provided by AUBA was instrumental in ensuring continuity in my education in my 200 level in the University as it was when I was to drop out from school. The scholarship lifted the burden off the intense emotion of becoming a dropout from me. It also helped alleviate the financial stress on my mother who works tirelessly to support our family through farming and petty trading. With the scholarship, I was able to add a little to pay for tuition fees and essential school supplies, which would have otherwise been unaffordable to me.
Current Challenges: Despite the support from the scholarship, I continue to face financial challenges, especially regarding consistent payment of fees. Currently, the current situation of the country and price of commodities are making it difficult for me to get the raw material I need for my research as a final year project, printing and photocopying the documents.
”Additionally, balancing academics with family responsibilities poses a constant challenge. Furthermore, the uncertainty of getting fund for my post-graduate study (Masters) in Nigeria or outside the country adds to my worries as I wish to continue my education to Ph.D level. I’m as well seeking for good job opportunities in other to help and contribute to my family’s financial needs.
Education Journey: My education journey has been marked by resilience and determination. From primary school to this higher institution, I have remained a very calm, intelligent, wise, smart, and well-behaved student which has helped me to always come as the best in my class. Regardless of the fact my poor background and financial status of my family has made me to encounter various hurdles, including financial constraints and the worst was losing my biological father and my beloved uncle Pastor Peter Odiegwu who was supporting my family is still a pain that can never be healed in my heart.
Chinecherem Odiegwu, one of the 2022 edition beneficiaries, now in her final year at ESUT
”However, through perseverance and the support of my mother and AUBA, I’ve been able to overcome some financial obstacles and continue pursuing my dreams which I will never stop until I become the dream woman I want to be and give back to the society by helping the poor and becoming a good ambassador and supporter of AUBA.
Financial Situation: Financially, it has been a rollercoaster ride. My mother’s relentless efforts have been our main source of income, supplemented by occasional support from well-wishers and scholarships like the one from AUBA. Despite the challenges, we remain hopeful and grateful for every opportunity that comes our way.
Course of Study: I am currently studying Chemistry Education, which aligns with my passion for science and education.
Financial Situation: Financially, it has been a rollercoaster ride. My mother’s relentless efforts have been our main source of income, supplemented by occasional support from well-wishers and scholarships like the one from AUBA. Despite the challenges, we remain hopeful and grateful for every opportunity that comes our way.
Special Requests to Organizers: 1. I would like to ask for a continue support of AUBA to help me financially to continue my education and register for a master’s degree 2. Please It will be of good if AUBA can help my mother financially to support her with some money to boost her business in other to afford a better life for my younger ones. I will like if AUBA can provide a networking opportunity for young ones like me who have good big dreams to connect with senior professionals in our respective fields.
”Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude to AUBA and its organizers for their unwavering support and belief in students like me. May God continue to bless your endeavours
The Odiegwus: ever grateful to AUBA and organizers for the rare opportunity
Nzubechukwu Christabel Obodoeze from Umudunu Village is a 300 level Geological Science student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She was among those that was overwhelmed with joy for being so lucky to win the award. She expressed her feeling thus:
”I’m facing financial difficulties as a result of high cost of living. Our tuition fee was hiked twice the original amount with introduction of unnecessary fees Textbooks/handouts, accommodation, are all expensive. This is really causing me stress and anxiety.
”Can’t afford some of the materials needed for our practicals/projects which include: laptop, engineering materials, handbooks/workbooks, (which of a very high price). These really affected my last academic performance.
”I’m currently doing a menial job to support myself, so I’m finding it difficult to cope with my studies. I don’t attend lectures as necessary and also no time to read.
Cross section of some parents and their children privileged to win the grants
”I was thrilled, in fact my joy knew no bounds when I learnt of my selection for this honour. The scholarship amount given to us was N150, 000 per individual.
”It was really of great help to me especially in this hard time. I’m certain that I won’t borrow or take a loan for my tuition fee this session! I’m really happy.
My parent and my siblings were so excited about the privilege. (They are seven in number and she is the fourth child but the second to attend higher institution).
Asked if she would empower other less privileged when opportune when working as AUBA did to her, she replied:
”Sure! That’s my biggest priority. I can’t wait!”
Advising the organisers, she said, ”Well, I suggests the scholarship body (AUBA) should create website where some of these activities would be posted or shared because it’s worthy of emulation! As the world is going digital.
They did well!
On her three greatest challenges: My three greatest challenges are I’m facing financial difficulties as a result of high cost of living. Our tuition fee was hiked twice the original amount with introduction of unnecessary fees. Textbooks and handouts, accommodation, are all expensive. This is really causing me stress and anxiety.
Nzubechukwu Christabel Obodoeze, one of the beneficiaries of 2023 edition
”The second one is that I can’t afford some of the materials needed for our practicals and projects which include: laptop, engineering materials, handbooks/workbooks, (which of a very high price). These really affected my last academic performance.
”The third one, I’m currently doing a menial job to support myself, so I’m finding it difficult to cope with my studies. I don’t attend lectures as necessary and also no time read.”
If you have the opportunity to meet the Governor of Anambra State, what will you ask him to do in order the burden on indigent undergraduates?
”I will first of all commend our dear Governor for the wonderful skill development program initiative called “one youth, two skill” implementation. It’s a welcome development.
”I would implore him to also enhance educational opportunities. This will make us useful citizens who will greatly contribute meaningfully to the society and foster development.
”I will also urge him to consider implementing scholarships especially for the underprivileged. Also a program of praise and awards for students in our education system. This program could include annual awards ceremonies, scholarships, and other forms of recognition to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of students.
Chinaza Odiegwu a 400 level department of Igbo language in Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe, was accompanied by her elder sister, Chinecherem of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu and their mother, Mrs Odiegwu. Chinecherem was highly grateful to AUBA organisers because AUBA gave her a grant in 2022 that made her education and graduation possible. She expressed her joy this way.
”By God’s grace, studies are going perfectly fine and my siblings are fine too. Concerning the scholarship program that was held on Dec 2023 which I was one of the beneficiaries I sincerely appreciate it because it really helped in paying my school fees this session. And also it eased stress for my mum because paying my school fees has been a very big burden to her. I always pray that God almighty will bless all the members of AUBA. Also to the members of AUBA, I think it is a wise decision because with their help, they have motivated a lot of people to keep going, pursuing their careers non-stop knowing fully well that they have sponsors like AUBA.
”This is my final level in school and there are some challenges that I’m facing right now both writing of my final year exams, writing of projects, project defense, and other courses that I’m yet to register (eg SEDI, TRCN) because it has to do with my certificate after school. It hasn’t been an easy nut to crack since after the death of my father (late Mr Paul Nwachukwu Odiegwu).
Chinaza Odiegwu, 2023 edition beneficiary of the grant.
”My mum will sometimes find it difficult to handle our bills because she has no helping hands. After my secondary school, I registered for JAMB not because we have the money for higher institutions but because I want to go further in education and my mum on the other hand vowed that all her children must go to higher institutions even if it’ll prompt her to the extent of selling off everything we have.
”By God’s grace I wrote the JAMB and I passed, got admission in Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, and that’s where the main financial difficulty kicked off because during that period, my elder sister was also schooling at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu. But by the special grace of God, my mum didn’t give up likewise me and my siblings. We’ll always assist her both in farm work and her petty business.
”Till date, that’s how we’re surviving. I’m making a request that if AUBA can assist me in completing the tasks/ challenges I mentioned earlier, I will be glad. By the special grace of God, I’m now in my 400 level Department of Igbo language in Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Anambra State.
A Cross section of some parents and their children that witness the 2023 AUBA Scholarship Award. Stand left to right is Mr. Obodoeze while sitting first l-r is Elder Asiegbu. Both are parents of among the 17 lucky recipients of the 2023 edition
AUBA is an acronym for Abagana United Brothers Association. It was established in America in 2014 by Abagana sons of like minds who are patriotic enough to use their wealth of experience, exposure, intellectual and physical ability and capability to add rich values to humanity, starting with Abagana people at home.
So every December of every year, they are home to see things and feel the home environment. While other indigenes of Igbo towns in America including Abagana Welfare Union in America (AWUA) gather have annual or bi-annual conventions in different cities in US, AUBA members normally have their conventions in Abagana.
This enables them to breathe the home air and environment, personally observe, appreciate, celebrate and feel the pulse of the people they want empower. As MKO Abiola said, ”You can’t shave my hairs in my absence.” So right from their maiden edition convention in December 26, 2014, it has become an AUBA tradition and culture to be in Abagana every December of every year. Since that year to date, Abagana sons and daughters in universities in Nigeria have been enjoying the sweat and goodwill of such amiable people like Engr. Mike Nwokelo, Dr. Okechukwu Ukekwe, Chief Goddy Ofoedu, Dr. Eugene Ezekwueche, Dr. Chike Ezekwueche, Engr Arinze Ukekwe, Chief Emma Agwagom, Chief Peter Iloenyosi, Dr. Emma Ejiofor and Dr. Ejike Okonkwo.
The living word they uttered in December 26, 2014 re-echoed in December 27, 2023 edition of the convention held in the country home of Emma Agwagom. ”You have brothers in America. Feel free to contact any of us for any issues of personal or public significance and expect a friendly, brotherly and expeditious response to your matter. That is what brothers are for.”
May this their humanitarian work that helps and improves our society endear them more to God. As Ashleigh Brilliant said,, ”If we could all hear one another’s prayers, God might be relieved of some of His burdens.”
