Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna has unveiled the maiden ‘SKAID Undergraduate Scholarship Award’ for indigent students from Southern Kaduna.

He also charged the recipients to chart paths to excellence in their educational pursuits.

Mr Sani gave the charge on Friday during the ceremony organised by the foundation held on Wednesday at Barnawa-Kaduna.

The governor, represented by James Kanyip, his deputy chief of staff, encouraged all the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity with both hands.

He said: “The path to excellence requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance, but it also brings great rewards.

“Your success is not only your personal achievement but a beacon of hope for others in your community who aspire to follow in your footsteps.”

Sani commended the foundation over the scheme, adding, “This remarkable initiative represents a significant milestone in our shared commitment to empowering the people of the state and supporting sustainable development.

“This mission aligns perfectly with our administration’s vision of promoting human capital development through strategic investments in education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure.

“The Foundation’s focus on human capital development is not only commendable but timely, as it directly complements our SUSTAIN Agenda for Kaduna State.”

Mr Sani said that the core of the agenda was the belief that people were the greatest assets.

According to him, no state thrives without investing in the education and well-being of its citizens, especially its youth.

Mr Sani added, “This is why our administration is committed to ensuring that every child enjoys free basic and secondary education, guaranteeing twelve years of uninterrupted and quality education.

“No child in Kaduna State will be left behind, regardless of economic status or circumstances of birth.

“The scholarship program of SKAID foundation launched today is a clear reflection of this shared goal.”

The governor further said that the opportunities provided for the young indigents would gain them access to education and help them achieve their life aspirations.

He added,” They will also build a platform for inclusiveness and excellence as well as create a brighter future for Southern Kaduna and the state at large.

” This scholarship will not only uplift individuals but also strengthen communities by fostering a generation of educated, skilled, and empowered citizens.

“This scholarship and other efforts of the foundation will go a long way in the state’s effort towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets.

“This partnership-based approach is essential for sustainable progress.

”The foundation serves as a bridge between government, international development partners, and local communities..”

According to Mr Sani, the foundation is helping to ensure that development efforts are inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs of the people.

“Let me once again commend the foundation for this visionary initiative as your commitment to human capital development and community-driven progress.

”It will undoubtedly contribute to the lasting transformation of Southern Kaduna and Kaduna State.

“Our administration is proud to partner with you in building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”

Retired Rear Adm. Ferguson Bobai, chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the foundation, said that the organisation’s mantra was to make a tangible difference in the lives of the people of Southern Kaduna.

This is through the provision of educational opportunities, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support, medical outreaches, agricultural development and other forms of intervention.

Mr Bobai said that the vision of the foundation was to create an enabling platform that offered opportunities for the indigents to excel, accomplish their life aspirations and impact their communities.

He said: “Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of our communities by supporting them in attaining sustainable development through the implementation of transformational community-based projects.

“One of our cardinal beliefs in SKAID foundation is that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

“It is in this light that we are here tonight to lend our supporting hands to the recipients of this scholarship.

“These are young people with exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities, innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities and other great potentials.

“Our desire is to give them an opportunity that would allow their potential to blossom for the benefit of the society.”

He, however, urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves as an embodiment of hope and inspiration to others.

Mr Bobai added,  “Your success not only paves the way for your own future but also serves as a beacon of light for others who may be facing similar challenges.

“Remember, your achievements tonight are not just personal milestones but also a testament to the power of education to transform lives and communities.

“To our donors and sponsors who have given so much, this is literally a ceremony made possible by your continued support.

“Your gifts have wrought actual differences into the lives of our scholarship recipients and will by the grace of God, touch more lives beyond these ones.

”We will be eternally grateful for your act of generosity.”

Also, Bello Bissalla, the executive director of the foundation, highlighted its vision and mission.

He stated that its thematic areas include education, agriculture, healthcare, entrepreneurship, ICT, promoting democracy and good governance.

“SKAID will roll out ICT intervention programs aimed at building the capacity of current students studying computer science and engineering across many institutions of higher learning,” Mr Bissalla said.

Ishaya Bamaiyi, a law student at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, commended the foundation over the initiative, describing it as laudable and the first of its kind in Southern Kaduna.

Mr Bamaiyi promised that the beneficiaries would live up to the confidence reposed on them and make Southern Kaduna proud in the near future.

Thirty-six students drawn from the 12 LGAs in the area benefited from the scholarship award of N250,000 and N200,000 each for medical students and their colleagues from other fields of study, respectively.

(NAN)