Apostle Elijah Jack, Chairman of the Apostle Elijah Jack Foundation in Onna Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded scholarships to 10 medical students to mark Governor Umo Eno?s 61st birthday.

Presenting cash to the beneficiaries at the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Secretariat in Uyo, Jack described the event as a dual celebration of the governor?s milestone and the foundation?s commitment to education.

Jack stated, ?Today, we gather under divine providence to celebrate two sacred milestones: the 61st birthday of our visionary leader and the flowering of educational destiny through these scholarship awards.? He praised Eno?s ARISE Agenda, saying, ?Akwa Ibom rejoices today for the gift of a leader whose ARISE Agenda has made education the cornerstone of our state?s transformation.?

The scholarships recognise Eno?s focus on educational advancement as a crusade for human capital development. Jack noted, ?Just as you?ve championed free education, model schools, and teachers? welfare across our 31 LGAs, today we present medical scholarships to Onna LGA?s brightest minds.?

He added, ?These future doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, and medical researchers will become the healing hands that sustain your legacy of a healthier Akwa Ibom.?

Since 2023, the foundation has supported education in Onna, awarding ?700,000 in seminar scholarships to 13 students across 41 villages, paying JAMB fees for over 50 students, training over 5,000 youths statewide, and providing wheelchairs, crutches, food, and cash to 42 Onna villages. Jack said, ?Our foundation walks the talk of inclusive empowerment.?

Targeting medical students, Jack explained, ?This investment targets your studies because we recognise healthcare as Akwa Ibom?s next frontier.? He urged beneficiaries to embody ?Compassion, Excellence, Service?, stating, ?As you study at our various tertiary [institutions], remember ? you?re solutions to our state?s healthcare gaps.? Jack vowed to prevent medical student dropouts in Onna, ensuring every village has a healthcare professional.

Jack called on corporate organisations to partner with the foundation, noting that corporate social responsibility budgets in education could transform lives. (Sunday Sun)

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