total of 20 young Bayelsans who were selected in the scholarship examination organized by the Lady Josephine Diete-Spiff Foundation in collaboration with Nigeria Agip Oil Company for secondary school education, have emerged among best graduating students of their set after six years.
The beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme sponsored by the queen of Twon-Brass Kingdom, Barr. Josephine Alfred Diete-Spiff, were selected five persons each, from the four houses (Ama), that made up Twon-Brass, in a keenly contested examination of over 60 children in 2017, and were subsequently admitted into JSS 1 in Titare Royal Star Academy in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
These were part of the successes recorded over the years by the foundation’s consistent drive to tackle issues of poverty, cultism and gender based violation by educating and empowering the girl and the boy child through enhanced opportunities for
developing talents.
Queen Josephine Alfred Diete-Spiff who doubles as the President of the Queens of the Niger Delta Initiative, congratulated the young graduands on the successful completion of their academic pursuit in the different sectors of the noble star academy, adding that they have proven their worth in character and learning and deserve advancement for their outstanding excellence.
According to her, she has given scholarships to orphans, physically challenged, pastor’s children, foundation member’s children, as donations to clubs and associations and her immediate community.
She said, “This year, like last year is unique to us and my kingdom as among the graduands are 20 children of Twon-Brass Kingdom, taken from each house, six years ago and trained with full educational scholarship, inclusive of free transport, boarding and medicals in partnership with Nigeria Agip Oil Company.
“I am glad to state that this promise was fulfilled, as they came to Titare Star Academy as teens and are leaving as grown teenagers more enlightened, brave, courageous and confident in themselves.
“I hope their achievements will spur them to great heights that will enable them to contribute to the growth and success of Twon-Brass Kingdom. I hope the opportunity they have been given will create a sound foundation for their future.”
Expressing her gratitude to Titare Star Royal Academy, the overall best graduating student, Favour Ongwatabo, said that determination, prayer, seriousness and passion made her to come out with Distinction, both in school and also in the 2023 Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME).
“I look forward to being a good lawyer and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I really want to make the law profession to look good because right now it seems as if they are attacking lawyers. I want to change the narrative.
“I want to advice young girls out there to be serious, don’t allow your parents lack of money to discourage you because this economy is bad for everybody. Just make your parents proud, don’t disappoint them. Never lose focus, just have a goal and make sure you have passion for your goal”, she said.
Olali Miracle Karina who is a beneficiary of the scholarship, said that the school really built her up in terms of standard, discipline, boundaries, how to make rules for herself and achieve them, humility and spirituality.
“We always pray, they taught us to love God, there is so much to talk about the school. I did not really had the confidence I was going to make it, I was actually anxious but I prepared very well”, she said.
Another beneficiary, Numomoipre Biodoumoye, said he was small, timid, and not really outspoken, adding that with the help of many factors, “all those things changed”.
“The part I like the most about the school is the academic aspect. It has made me to believe that I am heading somewhere. I know it is not going to be an easy journey but I truly believe that using all that I was taught, I can achieve greatness”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mrs Hope Christian, said her feeling towards the school and the role Queen Josephine Diete-Spiff had played in training these children cannot really be expressed with words alone.
“I am grateful for what she has done for my child and the other children. Our children have embarked on a fruitful journey throughout their secondary school. The school has really nurtured them and I deeply believe they are one step closer to their greatness”, she said.