Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka at the weekend announced the floating of his tertiary education scholarship scheme for youths in his community, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, saying that his friends have so far contributed N10 million for the takeoff of the pet project.

He explained that the scholarship scheme is specifically meant for those who are successful with their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, but are unable to fund their education.

Speaking when the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka III honoured him at this year’s New Yam Festival, Chidoka lamented that many youths of the community were drifting and joining notorious gangs, due to their inability to go to school.

He said: “There are many youths in this community who are qualified to go to university, but could not do so due to poverty, and this scheme would ensure that they attend school.

“When I mentioned this problem to some of my friends, they contributed N10 million towards the scheme and this is the first phase of the programme.”

Chidoka disclosed that the criteria for the selection of the beneficiaries would be worked out by a committee set up to run the scheme.

He said that the honour given him by Obosi community would spur him to greater heights and urged the people to continue to live in peace as development can only thrive in a peaceful atmosphere.

In his address, Igwe Iweka described the annual New Yam Festival as an opportunity to take stock of events in the past one year, adding that God had been on the side of Obosi since the last festival took place.

The monarch pointed out that apart from the elevation of their illustrious son, Osita Chidoka, from Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission to Aviation Minister; there are other things that needed to be celebrated. He thanked God that the tension which heightened in the area in the past has reduced to the barest minimum.

Personalities who graced the occasion included the Governor of Bauchi State, Malam Isa Yuguda, who represented Vice President Namadi Sambo, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, deputy governors of Abia and Enugu states, serving and former ministers, senators and members of the House of Representatives, top military and police officers and traditional rulers from various communities in Anambra State.

•Photo shows Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka (middle), at the New Yam Festival at Obosi.