A non-governmental organisation, Koce Jezhiwyi Anyitawuulowyu Foundation, says it has awarded scholarships to some native indigent students in Diko community of Niger.
The foundation said that the beneficiaries were selected from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
According to the foundation, ECWA Church Goodnews, Diko, also receives financial support for missionary activities.
Announcing the awards and the unveiling of the foundation’s programmes in Diko viilage, the chairman of the foundation, Mr George Koce, explained that the awards were given to celebrate the 28th transition anniversary of the late patriarch of the family, Pa Koce Anyitawuulowyi and his wife Jezhiwyi, who died four years ago.
He explained further that the gesture was in continuation of the patriarch’s legacy.
He pointed out that the essence of the foundation “is based on the biblical injunction in Proverbs 22: 1 that says a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold.
“The foundation is set to re invent their patriarch example of diligence, compassion and to encourage entrepreneurial skills to the younger generations”.
According to him, the essence of the scholarship is to ease the beneficiaries’ educational pursuits.
He urged the students to take their education very seriously.
A principal member of the foundation, Dr Koce Henry-Diko, in his remarks, said that the beneficiaries were selected from the churches in Diko village, where the late patriarch lived and worshiped during his lifetime.
He also noted that the initiative was aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children which, according to him, has increased in recent times.
He also expressed worry about the state of education in the country, promising that the foundation would contribute its quota towards improving the education sector.