Today, as always, we give glory to our Maker who fashioned everything, every time and we profess unreserved gratitude to His Excellency Alhaji Yahya Adoza Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State – a human capital giant without equal. I must particularly render profound commendation to the brain behind this event, a boss and pathfinder like no other, my anchor and mentor – Barrister Salami Momodu Ozigi Deedat the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs whose vision and compassion birthed D-CAP and everything thereto. On behalf of the D-CAP Team, I welcome you all while I demand decorum.
This scholarship scheme aimed at driven dreams among our young students is one of the straws of ideas designed by the DEEDAT CROSS AFRICA PROJECT to as a Non Governmental Organization, facilitate socioeconomic activities capable of meeting the plights of our teeming youths without borders. Socrates defined education as the bringing out of the ideas of universal validity which are latent in the mind of every man, therefore, this initiative as conceived and powered by the Honourable Commissioner is to encourage parents and motivate students who are focused and committed to advance their course of studies. The JAMB scholarships will be given to the beneficiaries on academic merit and moral standard which are determined by the various schools management through the authority of their respective principals. The aim is to provide succour in a time like this for such students who might have lost the hope of registering and sitting for JAMB having successfully registered for their WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION (WASSCE) or NATIONAL EXAMINATION COUNCIL (NECO).
The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board Examination which is the prerequisite for gaining admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria will also serve as a ground to futher expose the successful students to other possible educationally based opportunities by good spirited individuals of our society. In the words of my boss, – Barrister Deedat, one should discover the essence of their life and never monetize such. We have chosen Community Service and we are essentially selfless about it. Let me at this juncture; clarify the curiosity of critiques on a possible burning question of WHY THE SSS3 STUDENTS? OR WHY NOT THE APPLICANTS WHO HAS THE MADE THE REQUIRED O’LEVEL GRADES? Before the decision on which mode of selection of beneficiaries was reached by the DEEDAT CROSS AFRICA PROJECT TEAM, we randomly conducted a research to find out the numerical strength of the SSS3 students preparing for their SSCEs who at the same time applied for JAMB, vis a vis the Secondary School leavers who applied for JAMB over the years. The team realized that about 80 percent of the applicants of JAMB examination in about a decade has been the SS3 students who were preparing to sit for their O’level examinations thus, signifies high degree of yearly possible admissions into tertiary institutions.
George Washington, the most significant figure in the founding of America admonished leaders to practice humility whatever their accomplishments or wealth may be.
On this wisdom, I sincerely attest to the unique enduring, and enviable personality of my AMIABLE BOSS – Barrister Deedat as a formidable symbol of leadership on the strong ladder of growth, this is a man of humble beginning with sturdy determination and preparation to succeed in life. I am highly proud to pronounce expressly that he is a Noble Personality so worthy of emulation and we are favoured to have him from our community.
Dear students, take this from me, you must consider yourselves lucky, you should value this privilege, you must believe in yourself and I request you all to continue to pay this kindness forward. Charity is the network that connects all human societies together. Therefore; it is our responsibility to give to others from our affluence in order to build sustainable human relationship. I challenge you to strive in the pursuit of knowledge. Such that will make you become a dynamic and competitive citizen of the world. Do not doubt the fact that education is the key to your success, you must choose your careers wisely and you must follow the process diligently because you are our hope for a better tomorrow.
I trust our team on justice and I want you all to hold firm to our principles. I thank everyone for listening and I enjoin you to be a good ambassador of your family in all that you do.
To Our Royal fathers, religious leaders, women of honor and everyone here present, I say, thank you all for coming. God bless you all…. Continue reading