INSPIRING MINDS: Olorogun Ovo Agbodje launches SCHOLARSHIP FUND alongside With Chess & Book Club for Ovwian youths.

By Henry Ubus

Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area — Tuesday, December 3, 2024

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering education and intellectual development, the President of Udu Union in the United Kingdom, Olorogun Ovo Agbodje, has pledged Scholarships for 10 students annually at Ovwian Secondary School. During his visit, Chief Agbodje announced a four-year university scholarship program for general studies and a five-year scholarship for students pursuing Medicine.

In line with his commitment to promoting education, Olorogun Agbodje also launched a Chess Club and a Book Club at Ovwian Secondary School and the same at Ovwian Primary School, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and reading culture. His speech, delivered entirely in the Urhobo language while donning traditional attire, highlighted the need to preserve Urhobo culture and language among the younger generation.

Addressing the pupils of Ovwian Primary School, Olorogun Agbodje said, “Learn, speak & write your language proudly. Language is the essence of culture, and you must uphold it.”

At Ovwian Secondary School, he stressed the value of education and critical thinking. “Learn your Maths, English, and also speak & write the Urhobo Language. It is a great shame that pidgin English has taken over in Urhobo land.
Study Maths, it is like money—you’ll need it for the rest of your life. Attend classes, take notes, and prepare for university or study a trade. Consider professional courses like Medicine, Nursing, Accounting, Banking & Finance and Engineering instead of courses such as Sociology, Psychology or Geography . You need a job after graduation. Everything you need is in a book! He said. Read The Richest Man in Babylon. Read and write your own story which becomes your own book. Help to grow and develop your community,” he urged.

As part of his contributions, Olorogun Agbodje presented 6 chessboards to the game master of Ovwian Secondary School and Ovwian Primary School, 3 for each School 🏫 he announced cash prizes for winners of an upcoming chess competition in each School. N10,000 for the winner, 2nd position N5,000 and N1,000 each for 5 runners’ up. He highlighted the role of chess in sharpening critical thinking skills and inspiring academic excellence.

The event was met with enthusiasm and gratitude from the students, pupils, and staff of both schools. The Principal of Ovwian Secondary School and the Headmistress of Ovwian Primary School expressed their appreciation for Chief Agbodje’s commendable initiatives. “We are deeply grateful for your generosity and foresight in investing in our children’s future. We call on other sons and daughters of Udu and Ovwian extraction to emulate your exemplary efforts,” they said.

Olorogun Ovo Agbodje, who holds chieftaincy titles from Udu and Agbarho Kingdoms, continues to set a high standard for community development, blending cultural preservation with educational advancement.