By Sylvia Okoi
No fewer than 150 students from Yakurr Local Government Area have benefitted from a N15 million educational scholarship scheme sponsored by the Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Moses Osogi.
The beneficiaries received the scholarship on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Sir Thompson Egbe Educational Foundation, Anong, Abi Local Government Area, in what was described as a memorable moment for students of Yakurr origin.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Osogi said the scholarship award was a fulfilment of the vision he unveiled in October 2025, during which similar support was extended to students from Abi Local Government Area.
According to him, the initiative was driven by his passion for education and commitment to giving back to society.
“I consider it a privilege to support students, not because I have so much, but because giving is an innate part of who I am,” he said.
Making reference to biblical principles, the Commissioner described himself as one of the righteous entrusted with leadership, adding that the scholarship programme represents the dividends of democracy.
Dr. Osogi expressed appreciation to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for empowering appointees to reach grassroots communities.
“The Governor cannot be everywhere, so we are encouraged to replicate his people-oriented gestures, especially his commitment to the welfare of citizens,” he stated.
He stressed that the scholarship scheme was not driven by political ambition but by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by students who struggle to pay tuition and meet basic academic needs.
The Commissioner charged beneficiaries to remain studious and disciplined, while commending them for meeting the set criteria. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the programme and announced plans to extend future scholarship support to medical and postgraduate students within the year.
Earlier, the Founding Coordinator of the Sir Thompson Egbe Educational Foundation, Engr. Dr. Pringle Egbe, said the selection of beneficiaries was strictly merit-based, noting that applicants were required to meet a minimum CGPA of 3.5, among other conditions.
In separate interviews, beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for the support. Mr. Usani Onen, a 200-level Accounting student of the University of Calabar, described the scholarship as timely relief, especially as a self-sponsored student.
Similarly, Miss Goodness Usani, a 200-level student of Language and Education, UNICAL, appreciated the gesture and prayed for God’s blessings upon the Commissioner.
Ayomobi Etim, a 200-level Civil Engineering student of the University of Lagos, said he was overwhelmed with joy upon receiving the scholarship funds of one hundred thousand naira and commended Dr. Osogi for his benevolence.
The Environment Commissioner also donated educational materials, including 6000 note books to secondary schools in Abi and Yakurr.
The event was attended by members of the Traditional Rulers’ Council of Abi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Barr. Mrs. Rosemary Onah, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stakeholders from the Abi/Yakurr constituency, parents of beneficiaries, as well as family members, friends and well-wishers.
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