By Sylvia Okoi
Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Moses Osogi, kept his promise to students of Yakurr LGA, Cross River State, when he doled out N15 million, to more than 150 students, as part of an educational scholarship scheme sponsored by him.
At the Sir Thompson Egbe Educational Foundation venue, Anong, Abi Local Government Area, where he beneficiaries received the scholarship, 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.
“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, Osogi described himself as one of the righteous entrusted with leadership, adding that the scholarship programme represents the dividends of democracy while the initiative was driven by his passion for education and commitment to giving back to society.
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.
He further expressed appreciation to the governor of Cross River State, 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.
Earlier, the Founding Coordinator of the Thompson Egbe Educational Foundation, 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, describing the scholarship as timely relief, especially as most of the recipients self-sponsored students
The well attended event event had members of the Traditional Rulers’ Council of Abi, government officials, 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, in attendance.
