Ikpeazu At 62: Spain Ambassador Unveils Scholarship Scheme For First-Class Students
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has announced plans to establish a scholarship scheme for outstanding first-class students, stressing that sustainable empowerment must go beyond handouts to building skills, knowledge and self-reliance.
Ikpeazu disclosed this during his 62nd birthday celebration and the Fifth Okezie Victor Ikpeazu Colloquium, organised by the Pa Ismael Ikpeazu Library and DOVI Scientific Leadership Centre.
The proposed DOVIS Scholarship Scheme will reward academic excellence, with beneficiaries expected to maintain high standards throughout their studies.
Speaking on the theme, “Empowerment Beyond Handouts: Building Responsible, Skilled and Self-Reliant Young People for Sustainable Development,” the former Abia State governor said education, mentorship, practical training and access to resources were essential to preparing young people for lasting economic independence.
He cited his administration’s youth-focused agricultural programmes, which provided poultry facilities, technical training and expert guidance to help beneficiaries establish independent businesses.
Delivering the keynote lecture virtually, Professor John Uzoma Ihendinihu of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, said empowerment should be measured by the capacity built in beneficiaries rather than the material assistance distributed.
He highlighted initiatives associated with Ikpeazu’s administration, including the Made-in-Aba campaign, international training for local artisans, the Enyimba Automated Shoe Company and the Enyimba Automated Garment Factory.
The professor said these interventions showed how skills development, enterprise support, and access to markets can promote job creation, productivity, and youth self-reliance.
Ikpeazu also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain, while acknowledging the support of his family, friends and political associates.
The event, moderated by former Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa, attracted guests attending physically and virtually from different parts of the world, who paid tribute to the ambassador’s contributions to public service, education and youth development.
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