The Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Hon. Pst. Ojotu Ojema, has awarded scholarships to tertiary institution students from Agatu and paid the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration fees of all secondary school students in the area.
The scholarship awards and payment of examination fees were announced on Sunday during the Leadership and Innovation Summit of the National Association of Agatu Students (NAAS), held at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Obagaji Study Centre, the headquarters of Agatu Local Government Area.
At the event, Hon. Ojema, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on National Inland Waterways, was honoured with an Outstanding Leadership Award by NAAS in recognition of his contributions to education and youth development within the constituency.
Highlighting his commitment to education, the lawmaker approved the payment of WAEC registration fees for all secondary school students, amounting to N3 million, and granted automatic scholarships to all Agatu students in tertiary institutions who were present at the summit.
Presenting the award on behalf of the association, Elder Ojotu Ogwola, a former Clerk of Agatu Local Government Area, said the honour was in appreciation of Hon. Ojema’s selfless service and sustained efforts at empowering students and advancing education in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency.
According to NAAS, the federal lawmaker has consistently demonstrated a people-centred leadership style with a strong focus on youth development and educational advancement, which has had a positive impact on students across the constituency.
In his keynote address titled “Students as Instruments for Nation Building: Empowering the Future Through Leadership and Innovation,” Hon. Ojema urged students to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation and self-reliance, noting that white-collar jobs are becoming increasingly scarce.
He encouraged young people to acquire practical skills and leverage science, technology and the digital economy to create opportunities for themselves, rather than waiting for government employment.
The lawmaker further advised students to cultivate leadership values rooted in integrity, discipline, innovation and patriotism, stressing that national development is closely linked to the quality of youth leadership.
The summit drew students, youth leaders, academics and other stakeholders from across Agatu, providing a platform for discussions on leadership, innovation and sustainable development.
NAAS said the award and the education support initiatives further underscore Hon. Ojema’s growing reputation as a mentor and advocate for students and youths in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency.
