The much expected scholarship Award to practicing journalists in Rivers State, sponsored by Emma Anyanwu Foundation last Friday, the 16th November, 2012 came to fruition.
The event which took place at the NULGE Consulate, Moscow Road, in the heart of Port Harcourt witnessed the who-is who in Journalism profession.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Information, Rivers State, Mrs. Ibim Seminatari, who was represented at the occasion by Mrs. Jokotade Adamu, Permanent Secretary in the ministry said she has never heard of such gesture in the history of the state and beyond, describing it as greatness.
She congratulated the committee for organizing the scheme perfectly and charged the beneficiaries to take the programme seriously. Mrs. Seminatari prayed God to shower more blessings on Emma Anyanwu to enable him redeem his obligations.
In his remarks, the benefactor vowed to continue to appreciate the Fourth Estate of the Realm, despite the neglect from several quarters. “I am here to reward you on the hazardous jobs you perform. You deserve more than what I have done”, Anyanwu declared.
He reiterated that his foundation will fulfill the covenant with the press in the state, even if he is dead and charged the committee to commence the next year’s process immediately.
He urged the recipients to be committed to the scholarship program in their own interest.
Also speaking, the NUJ chairman, Rivers State Council, Mr. Opaka Dokubo expressed happiness that the scholarship scheme has materialized in his tenure.
He thanked God for his mercy and the sponsor, Emma Anyanwu, informing him that the NUJ National has already been briefed on his benevolence.
He expressed confidence that NUJ will definitely reciprocate the gesture.
Earlier, the Committee Chairman, Mr. Paulinus Nsirim had told the gathering that 20 people benefited from the award, comprising 2 Post Graduate Diploma, 5 for the IIJ and 13 for ICT program.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of cheques/letters to the beneficiaries.
Barth Ndu
