OTEMU EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION UNVEILS SEASON 2 SCHOLARS, INDUCTS 42 BENEFICIARIES AS IBORI REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
From 13 Beneficiaries in Season 1 to 42 in Season 2, Foundation Expands Its Scholarship Impact
It was a celebration of academic excellence, hope and renewed commitment to human capital development as the OTEMU Educational Foundation officially unveiled its Season 2 Scholars and inducted 42 beneficiaries at a colourful ceremony held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Western Delta University (WDU), Oghara, Delta State.
The event, themed “Unveiling Season 2 Scholars and Beneficiaries' Induction,” marked another significant milestone in the Foundation's determination to provide educational support to indigent but academically promising students, enabling them to pursue their undergraduate studies without undue financial constraints.
The ceremony attracted the Founder of the Foundation and former Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori; members of the Board of Trustees; representatives of Western Delta University; Season 1 and Season 2 beneficiaries; members of the James Ibori Strategic Group (JISG); invited dignitaries and other stakeholders committed to educational advancement.
IBORI CHARGES BENEFICIARIES TO EMBRACE EXCELLENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY
Addressing the gathering, Chief James Onanefe Ibori congratulated the newly selected scholars and urged them to recognise the scholarship as a rare and valuable opportunity that must not be taken for granted.
He challenged the beneficiaries to make their academic pursuits their utmost priority by remaining focused, disciplined and determined to achieve excellence in their respective fields of study.
The Founder reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the scholarship initiative, expressing his aspiration to expand its reach beyond its current coverage, with the possibility of extending the programme across the South-South region of Nigeria.
He also commended the Board of Trustees for their diligence, transparency, prudence and dedication in ensuring a credible selection process and the effective management of resources committed to the Foundation's objectives.
FOUNDATION'S BOARD REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO FOUNDER'S VISION
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, the Programme Coordinator, Isioghene M. Eyikimi, expressed profound appreciation to the Founder for the confidence reposed in the Board of Trustees to translate his educational vision into reality.
She assured him of the Board's unwavering commitment to working diligently towards achieving the objectives for which the Foundation was established.
She equally appreciated the management of Western Delta University for providing the platform and hosting the memorable ceremony, describing the university's support as an important contribution to the success of the event.
42 SCHOLARS FORMALLY INDUCTED
A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal unveiling and introduction of the 42 beneficiaries selected under the Foundation's Season 2 scholarship programme.
In a symbolic demonstration of his personal commitment to educational advancement, the Founder individually presented certificates of award to each of the beneficiaries.
The presentation represented more than a formal recognition of their selection; it underscored the Foundation's investment in their academic aspirations, personal development and future contributions to society.
JISG HONOURED FOR ITS SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of the James Ibori Strategic Group (JISG), whose collaboration and support were acknowledged by the Foundation.
Four representatives of the group — Prof. Ogueh Onome, Dr. Ofa Henry Ochuko, Chief Awikpe and Chief Philo Ededey — were invited to the podium, where the Founder presented an Award of Appreciation to the group in recognition of its partnership and support.
The award was received on behalf of JISG by Prof. Ogueh Onome.
In his response, Prof. Ogueh expressed appreciation to Chief Ibori for his remarkable vision, generosity and sustained commitment to educational development.
He prayed for continued strength, wisdom and the necessary resources for the Founder to sustain and expand the scholarship initiative.
He also encouraged the newly inducted scholars to remain studious, disciplined and focused, warning them against taking the opportunity for granted.
He reminded the beneficiaries that the true measure of the scholarship would not be limited to their individual academic achievements but would also be reflected in their willingness and ability to extend similar acts of kindness to others in the future.
FROM 13 TO 42 BENEFICIARIES: A TESTAMENT TO GROWTH AND IMPACT
One of the most encouraging developments highlighted at the event was the positive progress recorded under the Foundation's Season 1 scholarship programme.
Launched last year with 13 beneficiaries, the programme has reportedly recorded commendable academic progress, with available reports indicating that the scholars are performing encouragingly in their respective studies.
The increase from 13 beneficiaries in Season 1 to 42 in Season 2 represents a remarkable expansion of the initiative and reflects the Founder's growing commitment to making quality university education more accessible to deserving students.
It also demonstrates the importance of sustained private-sector and individual-led interventions in addressing educational challenges and creating opportunities for young people.
JISG CELEBRATES A PARTNERSHIP THAT ADVANCES EDUCATION
The James Ibori Strategic Group expressed delight at being part of the historic occasion, describing the recognition accorded to the group as an encouragement to strengthen collaboration and collective responsibility in promoting educational opportunities.
The group noted that meaningful partnerships between individuals, institutions and organisations remain essential to building a society where deserving young people can access opportunities to realise their full potential.
JISG therefore congratulated the Founder, the Board of Trustees, the management of OTEMU Educational Foundation and, most importantly, the 42 newly inducted scholars.
A MESSAGE TO THE NEW SCHOLARS
To the 42 beneficiaries, this scholarship represents far more than financial assistance. It is an investment in your future, a vote of confidence in your potential and a call to greater responsibility.
You must justify this confidence through hard work, discipline, integrity and outstanding academic performance. Make the opportunity count, pursue excellence relentlessly and remember that your eventual success should become a source of inspiration and opportunity for others.
The greatest way to appreciate this gesture is not merely to graduate successfully but to become responsible individuals who will, in their own capacity, contribute meaningfully to society and help open doors for the next generation.
Indeed, education remains one of the most enduring investments in human capital development. Empowering young people today is undoubtedly one of the surest pathways to building a more prosperous, enlightened and sustainable society tomorrow.
Congratulations to the 42 newly inducted OTEMU Educational Foundation Season 2 Scholars!
Congratulations to Chief James Onanefe Ibori and the entire OTEMU Educational Foundation family for this remarkable milestone.
Reported by:
Chief Ofa Henry Ochuko, PhD
Strategic Member, James Ibori Strategic Group (JISG)
