Apostle Elijah Jack Foundation, (AEJF) has awarded scholarship to a total of Thirteen indigent students of Tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State.
It also distributed food items and financial empowerment to over One Hundred(100) widows and widowers in the communities.
The beneficiaries were drawn accross the 41 villages of ONNA local government area of the state where the board Chairman of the Foundation, Apostle Elijah Jack hails from.
Announcing the beneficiaries of the scheme at ONNA during the birthday celebration of Apostle Jack over the weekend, the chairman of the Scholarship committee, Dr Ohuka Chibunna Ruskin noted that the programme was designed to create an indelible impact on the lives of students and youths across the council.
Noting that the scholarship scheme was borne out of the Founder’s desire to invest in the future of the youths, Ruskin said the exercise lasts for a semester and the beneficiaries can always reapply so as enable others to benefit.
On how the beneficiaries were selected, Ruskin explained, “After the advertisement, 70 people applied for the scholarship but only 23students uploaded their documents( admission letter, last school fee receipt, letter of recommendation etc), so that made 47 applicants disqualified. An online test was also conducted for the 23 successful candidates with a pass mark of 60 percent, again only 13 student passed the online test and we’re screened and granted the scholarship.
“Apart from the scholarship, the foundation also provided a Motorcycle empowerment to one of the indigenes of Onna local government area of Akwa Ibom state. 100 widows and widowers went home with food items and cash empowerment to start up businesses.All these were done as part of event to celebrate our sponsor’s birthday Apostle Dr Elijah Akpan Jack.” He said.
One of the beneficiary students, Shadrach Ezekiel Peter a 500 level student of Akwa Ibom State University studying Marine Engineering who spoke on behalf of others thanked the sponsor, Apostle Jack for his benevolence and desire to secure their future.
He said the scholarship would help to ease the financial stress on his parents and pledged to put more efforts academically so that the good gesture extended by the Apostle will not be in vain.
“I applied for the scholarship because I was having some financial challenges. I believe it will help me a lot in my academic pursuit and help my parents. I feel very delighted and I express my sincere gratitude to Apostle Dr Elijah for coming up with this initiative, it is people who love God and humanity that would want to invest in the future that can do this. An investment in knowledge is the greatest profit.” He said
Speaking earlier, Apostle Jack, who is the celebrant said the Foundation is anchored on principles of love, empathy, selflessness and positive change to the lives of the vulnerable and poor.
He said aside the scholarship, the Foundation provides essential medical care to underprivileged individuals in various communities, business startup empowerment for individuals as well as provisions of financial materials and food item support to widows, widowers.
The Cleric also called on humanitarian Individuals, organizations and corporations to join hands with him in the pursuit of his agenda.
“Your support, whether big or small, will make an immeasurable difference in the lives of those we serve. Let us march forward, shoulder to shoulder, with compassion as our guide and humanity as our compass. Together, we shall create a world where love reigns supreme, where the warmth of kindness touches every heart, and where no one is left behind.” He said.
