UVBENISI- The Chief Of Staff, Edo State, Hon. Isaiah Osifo, has stressed the need for local government councils in the state to partner with the Osunbor-led administration with a view to opening up more rural communities to provide employment, increase income and, reduce crime.
He made the appeal at the official presentation of scholarship to 16 choir members of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Uvbenisi, Uhunmwode Local Government Council Area, Edo State, which also marked its (St. Paul Anglican Church) 2008 Adult Harvest/thanksgiving service.
Hon. Osifo who said with delight that he was inspired to award the scholarship by the recent policy of Governor Osunbor to re-introduce the payment of bursary and award of scholarships to Edo indigenes in higher institutions of learning, called on politicians and public servants to identify with their various communities, and not distance themselves from their communities.
He used the opportunity to enjoin students in rural areas, especially the benefiting students not to feel inferior to those in the city, noting that many great names driving the economy and politics of the country were educated in rural schools.
The Chief Of Staff expressed his profound gratitude to the Benin Monarch, Enigie and other traditional rulers across the state for their commitment towards the sustenance of their culture and heritage and assured that government would continue to encourage and promote activities that would protect their heritage and values, especially in the rural areas.
On the 2008, harvest/thanksgiving, Hon. Osifo expressed joy that the service witnessed an impressive attendance, and thanked the Bishop of Benin Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Peter Imasuen, for his leadership and evangelical pursuits, and the host pastor, Evang Samuel Ezeokonkwo (of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Uvbenisi) as well as other men of God and brethren for their efforts towards the betterment of the church, and for peace and security in Edo State.
Those in SSS 3 and 2 who benefited from the scholarship will each get N4,000 and N3,000 respectively, every month, while those between SSS 1 and JSS 1, will each get N2,000 monthly.
Responding on behalf of other recipients, Godspower Aigbedion thanked Hon. Isaiah Osifo for his kind gesture and assured that they would judiciously utilize the opportunity given them to achieve greater heights academically.
Earlier in a service to mark this year’s harvest/thanksgiving service of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Uvbenisi the Bishop of Benin Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Peter Imasuen, emphasised the need for all to be diligent in whatever capacity they have been assigned to function in order to make the society a better place for all.
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