By Nosakhare Agbonigiarhuoyi
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated 10 Edo State indigenes awarded the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) scholarships, charging them to excel.
The Governor gave the charge on Friday, September 2, 2022, at a reception in Government House, Benin City.
Obaseki said: “I want to start first by extending my appreciation and that of the government of Edo State to Engineer Greg Ogbeifun, the Chairman of the Benin River Port (BRP) project for his uncommon display of patriotism and support for Edo State and for this government.
“Engr. Ogbeifun is setting a shining example of those Edo people – sons and daughters, who have excelled in their private lives and businesses, and still have this desire to come and contribute to their home.
“You are a shining example, because today‘s event wouldn’t have been possible but for your interest, commitment and dedication to the State and to these young people.”
The Governor emphasized that “Projects in themselves don’t make themselves. So if Edo State is going to participate in the global economy, if the BRP is going to work, then you need people to run that economy, people who are knowledgeable to drive the marine business that we intend to create in the State.”
Speaking to the young scholars, Obaseki said: “We are proud of you. The fact is that you have invested in yourselves; that is what has taken you this far. You did well in your West African Examination Council Examination (WAEC), and you did well in the tests and examinations that you were subjected to.
“I’m particularly excited because, out of 10 of you, six are women. So you have essentially started breaking the barrier, and I have that confidence that all of you will go through your study. It’s now our responsibility to create an economy ready to absorb you when you finish.
“As a government, we are pleased. We are very appreciative and grateful to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the federal government for this scholarship. The State government is going to give each one of them 5,000 dollars.”
“As you go out there, your responsibility is to do well, make us proud and open the door of opportunities to others to come after you,” the governor charged.
On his part, the Chairman, Benin River Port (BRP) Project, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun remarked: “I present to you 10 Edo State scholars who have been awarded with full scholarships by the federal government through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
“When in the first few months of your first administration you conceived the idea of exploring the possibility of opening up Edo State to the sea, I was privileged to be part of that early stage. Little did I realize that that zeal was going to lead to what we are experiencing today.
“The journey started right here with the award of the 10 Scholarship slots by NIMASA to Edo State indigenes, after which the Benin City River Port Project (BRP) office worked with the Hon. Commissioner for Education, the Strategy, Policy, Projects, Performance Management Office (SPPPMO) and EdoJobs to shortlist Edo indigenes.”
“The opportunity came by reason of the fact that Edo State, through the Benin River Port Project, got the opportunity to be counted among the littoral States in the country”, he added.
