802 Students Receive Scholarships in 3rd Edition of SW/Niger Delta Conservation Initiative
In a bid to champion environmental preservation and educational advancement, the Southwest/Niger Delta Forest Project, in collaboration with the Ekiti State government, has launched the Conservation Scholarship and Education Support Initiative. This pioneering initiative aims to safeguard biodiversity in the Ise Forest, Ise-Ekiti, through immediate and long-term conservation efforts.
Since the inception of the conservation project, the SW/Niger Delta Forest Project has been actively engaging the Ise community in conservation education and public awareness programs. One notable aspect of these efforts is the annual Conservation Scholarship and Education Support Initiative, which provides school children with essential educational resources to facilitate effective learning.
The third edition of the initiative, held on 20th February 2024, saw 802 school children from across Ise/Orun Local Government Area benefitting from various educational packages. Among the beneficiaries, two students—one from primary and one from secondary school—were awarded scholarships covering their secondary and tertiary education expenses. Additionally, 200 primary school pupils received new school uniforms, 400 junior secondary school students were provided with exercise books, and 200 senior secondary school students were equipped with mathematics and English textbooks, all sponsored by the SW/Niger Delta Forest Project.
At the event, the Kabiyesi, Arinjale of Ise Kingdom, represented by Chief Olute, expressed gratitude to the organization for its generosity towards the community’s children. He emphasized the positive impact of the program in nurturing environmental consciousness among the children and enhancing their academic performance.
The Area Education Officer in Ise/Orun Local Government Area commended the organization for its support and encouraged both teachers and students to maximize the opportunities provided.
The Director of Afforestation in Ekiti State, representing the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Forestry Commission, urged the community to rally behind the conservation project, highlighting its benefits to the community. Various dignitaries, including the representative of Olowuro, Orun-Ekiti, the Director of Wildlife from the Ekiti State Forestry Commission, and the Iyalaje of Ise-Ekiti, as well as security agencies in Ise/Orun Local Government Area, were also present at the event.
Seun Adejuwon, the Programme Manager for the project, emphasized the positive impact of the Conservation Scholarship and Education Support Initiative on the community. He highlighted how the program has alleviated the financial burden on parents by providing essential school materials for their children, thereby encouraging more children to attend school and excel academically.
