A human Rights group, Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has commended the Chief Executive of Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM), Innocent Chukwuma for awarding N3 million scholarship to overall best candidate for the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidate, Joy Ejikeme.
Ejikeme, 16, a student of Anglican Girls Secondary School, Nnewi, Anambra, is from Enugu State, residing in Nnewi .
Her father is a commercial motorcyclist (Okada rider).
Ejikeme scored 362 in four subjects; namely; Enugu Language 98; Physics 89; Biology 94; and Chemistry; 81.
Chairman of CLO, in Anambra,Vincent Ezekwueme, who
gave the commendation on Tuesday in Enugu, said that without the scholarship from Innoson her academic career might be truncated due to poor financial background.
According to Ezekwueme, the CLO had appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Education to award scholarship to Joy in order to encourage hard work and motivate other students to take their studies seriously.
“For Dr Innocent Chukwumah, Chairman of IVM to take bold, patriotic and selfless step in awarding scholarship to the intelligent but indigent student, that has giving hope, comfort and care to both the student and her parents.
“It is clear indication he has natural inclinations for charity and humanitarian , selfless sacrifices and services to humanity.
“Pertinently, it is clear indication that IVM is alive and alert to her Cooperate Social Responsibilities.
“It is no exaggeration but existential reality that Innoson is highest employer of labour after the State government and has brought many developmental projects for communities, churches, schools and gives scholarship to many Nigeria students,’’ he said.
The CLO boss also appealed to political, religious and traditional rulers to wade into the business dispute between Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma and IVM.
“They should seek patriotic and brotherly out of court, peaceful and permanent settlement as well as resolution of the dispute for the overall mutual interest and benefits of all especially the staff.
“Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu -led Ohanaeze Ndigbo and revered former governor of Anambra State, Chief Pius Ezeife, should kindly intervene and restore peace, love, unity and harmony,” he said.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama