Yala Apex Socio-Cultural Group, Omgbotuche Welfare Initiative Meets Otu’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Hints on Scholarship Scheme for Indigent Students

Yala Apex Socio-Cultural Group, Omgbotuche Welfare Initiative Meets Otu’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Hints on Scholarship Scheme for Indigent Students

The Yala Apex socio-cultural organisation, Omgbotuche Ayi Yala Welfare Initiative, on Tuesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Boniface Okache, at the Governor’s Office, Calabar.

According to the delegation, the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Deputy Chief of Staff, whom they described as one of the group’s greatest benefactors, on his appointment and one year in office, to officially introduce the newly constituted executive committee of the organisation, as well as to unveil its new plans.

Speaking, the leader of the delegation and President of the group, Mr. Dominic Ogri, commended Hon. Okache for his visible contributions to the growth and progress of Yala Nation while formally presenting the new leadership team. The executive members introduced included: Mr. Dominic Ogri as President, Dr. Roland Ipuole as Vice President, Mr. Celestine Ebeku as Secretary, Engr. Greg O. as Treasurer, Mr. John Inyaka Odey as Protocol Officer, and Mr. Godwin Oyigoja Oboh as Publicity Secretary.

Highlighting the organisation’s new initiatives, Mr. Ogri announced that the group will officially launch a scholarship scheme on August 29, targeted at indigent students from Yala communities. He explained that the scheme will adopt an innovative approach by selecting beneficiaries from the Social Register, which contains data on poor and vulnerable households, to ensure that the most disadvantaged truly benefit.

He further noted that the scheme will integrate a strong monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper tracking of the academic progress of beneficiaries.

“The good thing about this initiative is that it will lessen the burden on our stakeholders. With more support, we will be able to expand and reach more people,” Ogri said.

He also disclosed that proceeds from the scholarship launch would be used to scale up the group’s transportation support programme, noting that while it currently provides 20 buses for students, increased funding could expand the scheme to as many as 80 buses.

In his remarks, a member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Otobi Fidelis, expressed gratitude to Hon. Okache for the warm reception and lauded Governor Bassey Otu for his administration’s commitment to the growth of Yala LGA and, by extension, the Northern Senatorial District. He praised the appointment of Hon. Okache, describing him as a loyal, capable, and committed leader of Yala whose presence in government has continued to inspire the people. He further pledged the group’s support and prayers for Governor Otu’s administration, while reaffirming their commitment to the progress of Yala and Northern Cross River.

Responding, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Boniface Okache, commended the group for its foresight and dedication to community development, while expressing gratitude for the visit and the confidence they reposed in him.

He described the initiative as a homegrown solution to pressing societal challenges, emphasizing that education remains the surest ladder out of poverty. He expressed excitement about the proposed scholarship scheme, particularly because it targets vulnerable households, and affirmed that the initiative aligns with the People-First vision of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration.

“No government can do it all alone. That is why community-driven initiatives like this are invaluable. Be assured that I will continue to lend my support wherever possible, and together we can make a lasting impact in the lives of our people,” Okache added.

The visit ended with goodwill prayers for the Deputy Chief of Staff and the administration of Governor Otu.

Eriacy Confidence Oba

Media Aide to The Deputy Chief of Staff