By Nsan Ndoma-Neji
The Ofutop Nation in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State has unveiled Ekuum Bass Cultural festival tagged “An Echo from the Woods in Abaragba community to revive the cultural heritage of the people.
The colourful ceremony, themed “From Indigenous Knowledge To Future Innovation,” was used by the President of Patrick and Grace Osam Ntun Legacy Foundation, Engr. Oyama Osam Ntun, to unveil a scholarship scheme to assist 60 indigent students in the community pursue their dreams in engineering.
Speaking with our correspondent on the sidelines of the festival, Ntun, who is also the CEO of Acelabview Ltd, stated that the foundation currently sponsored 12 students in the university but will add 12 more by the end of September, with a target to increase the number to 60 in five years time and possibly 100 thereafter.
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The UK-based engineer explained that the scheme, which has run for seven years covering secondary school to university, was initiated to ensure that lack of funds does not force passionate youths to abandon their dreams in the area of engineering.
He said the foundation’s intervention is in two categories which include graduate scholarship for general studies and a post-university engineering training school to prepare young engineers for industry.
“The greatest investment any society can make is an investment in its people,” Ntun said, stressing that the next phase will specifically target the less privileged.
He charged beneficiaries to be serious and focused, adding, “For now, I don’t have any ambition for now. Tomorrow, I don’t know. But for now, no ambition,” dismissing speculations of political ambition.
Also speaking Cross River State House of Assembly CRHA for Ikom 1 state Constituency Samuel Neji Abang, commended the foundation CEO for the kind gesture, stressing that the gesture has added value to the community stressing that what Ntun has done is worthy of emulation by every right thinking individual.
