October 03, (THEWILL) – Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has inaugurated two critical boards in the state – Pilgrims Welfare Board and Scholarship Board – a part of efforts to improve the standard of education of the citizenry as well as enhance the people’s faith in God.
Performing the ceremony at the New Exco Chambers, Government House Owerri, on Wednesday, the Governor described the day as significant, being a day step was taken to care for the large number of school drop-outs as a result of lack of funds and parental care.
He said that the Scholarship Board is a platform the government wants to use to fund, not only the bright children of Imo State but also the vulnerable and the less privileged in the society.
Uzodimma added that the “government had deemed it wise to revive the Scholarship Board to add value and increase hope of a better tomorrow for our children,” and urged the Board members to “work hard to encourage Imo children to take up skilled programmes that will enhance their future”.
On the Pilgrims Welfare Board, the Governor noted that while the government is working hard to make life more meaningful by providing infrastructure, health services and education for the people, “there is the need to always seek the face of God for the purification of our soul and spiritual upliftment so that God will continue to bless Imo State with peace and tranquillity”.
He, therefore, reminded the Board members that they were “selected because they are men and women of integrity and honour”, and urged them to bring their pedigree to bear in the job as it concerns the yearly sponsorship of pilgrims to the Holy Lands for Christians and Muslims in Imo State. He urged them to bear in mind that they are not only going to work for the people of Imo State but also for God.
Accepting the responsibility on behalf of his members, the Chairman of the Pilgrims Board, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Gilbert Alaribe, who is the Chaplain of Government House Chapel Owerri, thanked the Governor for finding them worthy and for the opportunity to serve and promised that as a team they will work to improve the pilgrimage experience of Imo people as well as harmonise the inter-faith groups in the State.
On behalf of the Scholarship Board, Rev. Fr. Marius Oluigbo also thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve, noting that the inauguration of the Scholarship Board is a show of love for education. He assured that his team will ensure that the Governor’s dream, that of the government and people of Imo State will be realised.
The members of the Pilgrims Welfare Board are: Rev. Fr. Gilbert Alaribe (Chairman), Rev. Canon Kelechi Ejimgini, Rev. Fr. Onyeagba Stanley, Lady Nwamba Salome and Elder Okey Unamu.
Members of the Scholarship Board include: Rev. Fr. Marius Oluigbo (Chairman), Rev. Dr. Uchenna Ucheghara, Prof. Osward Nwebo and Dr. Mrs. Chinwe Poly Mbah.
Other statutory members will be drawn from the Ministry of Education and related agencies of government.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru; Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chyna Amara Iwuanyanwu; Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu; Chief of Staff, Bar Nnamdi Anyaehie; members of State Expanded Exco as well former Chairman of APC in Imo State, Chief Bar Malcolm Nlemigbo, witnessed the ceremony.
