The Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) has reiterated its dedication to providing yearly scholarship grants to undergraduate students from the Esan community in Edo State. During a meeting where the association reinforced its commitment to the development of Esan land, the President of AEP, Dr. Henry Egbiki, stated that the initiative is part of the association's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to Esan indigenes, both in Lagos and globally.
Details of the Scholarship Programme
Dr. Egbiki recalled that in addition to numerous past commitments, AEP last year awarded scholarships amounting to N150,000 each to Esan students from various higher institutions of learning. He announced that no fewer than 50 students of Esan origin would ultimately benefit from the grant. Specifically, 10 students each were selected from the five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Esan Central, Esan South-East, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Igueben, which are inhabited by the Esan people in Edo State. The President emphasized that the grant would be an annual event, organized by the association to give back to Esanland.
Call for Community Emulation
George Okoyo, Chairman of the Scholarship Screening Committee, urged other community associations to emulate AEP's example of giving back to society. During the meeting, the association expressed its unwavering commitment to ensuring continuous development across all communities in Esan land, resolving to sustain its positive impact in the five local government areas of the region.
Contributions to Education and Development
The association highlighted its contributions to the communities, particularly in the educational sector, and emphasized its desire to enhance developmental strides to complement government efforts. With more development initiatives in the pipeline, AEP announced that it has resolved to involve more Esan sons and daughters through a fundraising engagement scheduled for July.
Fundraising Plans
Emmanuel Ogbebor, Chairman of the AEP Fundraising Committee, described the fundraising plan as another opportunity for Esan professionals worldwide to step forward and be counted. He also called on those who have not yet joined AEP to do so, stressing that coming together under one umbrella would further strengthen the group and enhance its resources for development. According to him, “While we thank members of the Association for the job done so far over the years, we are using this opportunity to also invite more people to join the group. Esan land is great, and we also have great and wonderful people, such as Esan sons and daughters. As much as we believe they have been contributing their quota to the development of the communities one way or the other, I personally believe coming together will strengthen us more and boost the resources for continuous development. It is possible some of them are not aware of this group and what we do, so this is to let them know that we are here and prepared to take Esan land to the next level. That also means their membership will be highly appreciated and fruitful.”
