Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), has challenged children of school age not to allow their peculiar situation to rob them of their ambition. He urged them to rather see their deprivations as a motivating factor to distinguish themselves.

Prof. Utuama gave the advice yesterday when pupils of Our Lady Queen of Wisdom International School and St. Mary Immaculate Orphanage Home, Benin City, Edo State, who were on excursion to the state, paid him courtesy call in his office.

Reacting to a thrilling presentation by the pupils, Utuama observed that the children were not in any way disadvantaged. He stressed that most notable and successful men and women in the society were at one time or another faced with one form of deprivation or the other. He made reference to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as one of those who encountered some deprivations during their school days but overcame them to become great achievers.

The deputy governor briefed the visitors on the administrative agenda of Delta State, its geographical location, infrastructure, educational policy, human and mineral resources of the state and so on.

He emphasised that education and child’s health were top priority in the state as every child from age 0-5 years is entitled to free medical care and every first class graduate is entitled to scholarship up to PHD level including bursary to students of tertiary institutions. He later presented the pupils with financial and edible gifts.

In a short address, the leader of group, Master Collins Ugwuoke, lauded the deputy governor for the warm reception accorded them and for being a visionary leader, God-fearing and hardworking. He urged him to continue with his acts of benevolence.

The founder of the school and the orphanage home, Rev. Adolphus Umechukwu, called on Nigerians to think of what they can offer the nation and not what the nation will offer them. He hinted that this believe propelled him to establish the school and the orphanage home.

•Photo shows Prof. Utuama.