Arase foundations award scholarship to 100 students
Published By: Paul Dada
By Jethro Ibileke
The Mercy Igbe-Arase Foundation and the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF) say they are fulfilling their core mandates and making great strides with the award of scholarships to no less than 100 students and providing succor for thousands of members of communities across Edo State.
Besides, no fewer than 32 students will be presented with cheques at the foundation’s corporate headquarters on Sakpoba Road, Benin City on the 21st of June, 2024, to mark Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase’s birthday. The presentation will be done by his son and staff members.
The Mercy Igbe-Arase Foundation caters to students from the Owan West and Owan East local government areas of Edo, while the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation focuses on supporting indigenes of the seven local government areas that make up Edo South Senatorial District and children of late Police Inspectors and Rank and File.
A statement by the Foundation says, “Since inception, the Mercy Igbe-Arase Foundation has made significant strides in achieving its objectives through the provision of annual scholarships for indigent students, community development projects, and collaboration with local organizations to promote human rights and social justice.
“These consistent efforts have led to a tangible impact in the lives of many, fostering a brighter future for individuals and communities alike through the provision of access to education, promoting community development, and championing human rights.
“Similarly, the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, incorporated in 2022 by Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has empowered individuals and fostered community development, an initiative that has continued to inspire and make a lasting impact on the lives of many.”
At its maiden annual lecture series, the Foundation presented cheques to the first batch of scholarship recipients. It also donated essential security items to local governments in the Edo South Senatorial District.
Items donated for the use of local security operatives included 50 motorcycles with helmets, one branded Toyota Sienna van, 1,400 branded shirts and fez caps, 1,400 whistles, 200 raincoats, and 10 torches, aimed at enhancing security and community development in the region.
In its second year, the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation expanded its reach by not only catering to students of the Edo South Senatorial District but also including children of late Inspectors and Rank & File of the Nigeria Police Force who died in service.
The foundation marked this significant milestone with two consecutive events: a heartfelt thanksgiving service held in Benin City, Edo State, to express gratitude for the foundation’s progress and impact, and immediately following the thanksgiving service, the foundation hosted its second annual lecture series, themed “The Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Civil and Criminal Cases by Law Enforcement Agencies in Nigeria.”
This thought-provoking lecture aimed to explore the advantages of ADR in promoting effective conflict resolution and enhancing the criminal justice system. The event also witnessed the presentation of cheques to the second batch of beneficiaries of the SEAF scholarship scheme, further demonstrating the foundation’s commitment to supporting educational excellence and empowering young minds.
In its third year, the Foundation marked a more subdued milestone, opting for a more intimate celebration. The foundation hosted the beneficiaries to a private lunch and cheque presentation, focusing on the scholars and their achievements. Despite the more solemn tone, the event remained a testament to the foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting educational excellence and empowering young minds.
To date, a total of 100 students have been registered under the two Foundations, with 38 of them having graduated and successfully completed their mandatory service year, while the remaining 62 are in various universities and polytechnics.
Both Foundations share a common mission to support undergraduate studies by recognizing academic excellence and potential.
The Mercy Igbe-Arase Foundation was established in memory of the late Madam Mercy Igbe-Arase, a seasoned, old-fashioned teacher, by her son, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, in conjunction with friends and family members, to continue her legacy.
