Ibori urges scholarship beneficiaries to embrace discipline

James Ibori and one of the beneficiaries

Former Delta State Governor and founder of the Otemu Educational Foundation (OEF), Chief James Ibori, has charged newly inducted scholarship beneficiaries to embrace discipline, pursue academic excellence and remain committed to serving society.

According to a statement on Friday, Ibori gave the charge during the foundation’s second Beneficiary Induction Programme (BIP 2.0), held at the Auditorium of Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State, where 42 newly selected beneficiaries under Cohort Beta were formally inducted into its scholarship scheme.

“Approach your academic journey with discipline, purpose and a strong commitment to personal development. The scholarship represents an opportunity to build a better future and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

The former governor described the induction ceremony as more than a formal gathering, saying it marked the entry of the beneficiaries into a community founded on excellence, leadership, discipline and service.

“What began as a vision to support deserving young people within Delta State is gradually evolving into a platform for regional transformation. We believe that talent knows no geographical boundaries, and we remain committed to building a scholarship programme that continues to transform lives across the Niger Delta for generations to come,” he said.

Ibori observed that while talent, ambition and potential were widespread, access to opportunities remained uneven, stressing the need for initiatives that would help deserving young people overcome financial barriers to education.

“Talent is everywhere. Potential is everywhere. Ambition is everywhere. But opportunity is not,” he stated.

The 42 beneficiaries were selected through what the foundation described as a rigorous and merit-driven process and have commenced their academic studies at Western Delta University under its full undergraduate scholarship programme.

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The ceremony also celebrated the achievements of Cohort Alpha, the foundation’s pioneer group of beneficiaries, many of whom have completed their first academic year and continue to record encouraging academic performances.

Speaking at the event, the OEF Programme Coordinator, Isioghene Eyikimi, described the induction as a celebration of possibility and purpose.

“Today is not simply about welcoming new scholars. It is about reaffirming our belief that when potential is identified, nurtured, and supported, excellence becomes inevitable. We are incredibly proud of what our beneficiaries have achieved thus far, and even more excited about what lies ahead,” she said.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a commemorative artwork titled The OEF Tree of Impact to Ibori in recognition of his vision, leadership and commitment to expanding educational opportunities.

The artwork featured 55 leaves, representing the total number of scholars across Cohorts Alpha and Beta.

Meanwhile, the foundation announced plans to expand its scholarship programme beyond Delta State to cover all nine states of the Niger Delta: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

The expansion marks a new phase in OEF’s efforts to widen access to higher education and empower young people across the region.

The event attracted stakeholders from the education and development sectors, including the management of Western Delta University, parents, supporters of the foundation, members of Friends of OEF and beneficiaries from both cohorts.