By Moses Omovevah
In his determination to foster education and a new generation of leadership development in Nigeria, the founder of Perpetual Light Christian Church Ozoro, (PLCC), Rev Festus Odoko, (JP) gave award to 4 best students of Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of the State.
The award ceremony which was held at the church auditorium and tagged: “2023/2024 PLCC Bursaries Award”, was held on Sunday, 28th January, shortly after the Church service of PLCC, to marked the remembrance of late Pastor Mrs Queen Odoko, wife of Rev Festus Odoko.
Renowned Christian leader and retired CBN director Rev. Festus Odoko is facilitating the educational aspirations of over one hundred Nigerian youths through his Perpetual Light Christian Church scholarships of their university education.
In his welcome address, he said; “I am delighted to welcome all you to the 2023/2024 PLCC Bursaries Award ceremony. I glorify the Lord who has made this possible.
“The idea for the PLCC Bursaries emerge from a deep desire to honour my late wife, Pastor Mrs Queen Odoko. She loved education and worked hard to raise excellent young men and women. Secondly, we have always thought of a way of motivating young people to live up to their potentials. In the process of working out the details, I realised that my parents sacrificed a lot for my own education.
“The award is therefore in three (3) categories which are; Pastor Mrs Queen Odoko prize valued for the best overall student valued at #100,000 and won by Miss Eunice Ugbuwe of Petroleum Chemistry department with GPA of 4.70, Madam Felicia Odoko prize for the runner valued at #50,000, won by Miss Favour Makava of Business Administration department with GPA of 4.56 and Odio Otaighobe Odoko prize for the 3rd place valued at #50,000 won by Miss Georgina Eleh of Journalistm and Media Studies department, and a consolation prize of #25,000 for 4th place won by Miss Joy Electric of Petroleum Chemistry department with GPA of 4.30.
“For now, the award is open to only Students of Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro who are members of Perpetual Light Christian Church. Students who have a GPA average of 3.5 are invited to apply and support their application with results which are later independently authenticated by the Board of PLCC.
“It’s my Love that the Bursary award will be expanded and extended to all the Students in the University in the next couple of years. I wish to congratulate the 2023/2024 PLCC Bursaries Award recipients for their success. They must see themselves as torch bearers who show the way for others to follow. Once again, I wish to thank all of you in attendance for the humour of your presence and sacrifice you have made to be here”, Rev Odoko added.
In their separate remarks, Chief M Ukoli, Pastor Great Segun Johnson, Pastor Raymond Ovuomaye, and Dr. Enahoro Michael who was represented by Mr Matthew Omamuzo Patrick. They commended Rev Festus Odoko and his family for the kind gestures, and urge the beneficiaries and those present to live a life worthy of emulation.
“Rev Festus Odoko represent the new generation of Isoko man filled with the spirit of helping others. It is a great sacrifice and we pray God to preserve his life and his family and as well give him strength to keep this promise of expanding this Scholarship.
“Let see how we can affect our fellow human beings. We should endeavour to do the of God in this end time. As students, you need to affect life’s in any little way you can. Unlock your full potential in service to God and humanity. As Youths you must realize that there is no limitation to what you can achieve if you trust God and remain focused”, they advised.
The beneficiaries and their parents expressed gratitude during the ceremony, offering prayers for Rev.Festus Odoko and his family’s continued success in ministry and long life.
Miss Eunice Ugbuwe, a recipient, conveyed her appreciation, stating, “I am deeply grateful to Rev Festus Odoko and the PLCC Bursary Committee for restoring my lost hope. I never imagined that I would be recognise and given an award one day. This will spur me to be more focus and achieve more heights. “
