The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) in Enugu State has successfully implemented community development initiatives valued at over ₦1m across the state.
The initiatives included award of scholarships to five students of Community Secondary School, Umueze Awkunanaw; distribution of educational materials; medical outreach programmes; and visits to orphanages and motherless babies’ homes.
Speaking during a scholarship award ceremony over the weekend, the NJFP Coordinator in Enugu State, Mrs. Ifunanya Ozougwu, described the interventions as the Fellow’s way of giving back to society, adding that the programme is funded by European Union, Federal Government and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Ozougwu explained that the projects, carried out in Abakpa, Amechi, Emene, Nsukka, Ogui Town, and Umueze, were designed as impactful interventions targeted at addressing identified community needs.
According to her, the initiative is aimed at complementing government efforts in community development while providing Fellows the opportunities to contribute meaningfully to societal growth.
She added that the NJFP not only equips young professionals with employability and leadership skills but also instils in them a strong sense of civic responsibility and commitment to national development.
“Our focus is on delivering interventions that create measurable impact and strengthen community capacity, rather than one-off gestures.
“This goes a long way in exposing young people to practical nation-building experiences that deepen their sense of responsibility and leadership,” she added.
In her remarks, the organiser of the scholarship award, Ms. Chidera Ani, disclosed that the scholarship covered the school fees of the beneficiaries for periods ranging from one to three academic terms.
While congratulating the students, Ani urged them to justify the gesture by remaining focused, disciplined, and committed to their studies, advising them to avoid distractions.
“Education remains one of the most sustainable investments in community development.
“Therefore, this scholarship is designed to provide stability for the beneficiaries and reduce interruptions to their academic progress,” Ani said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the overall winner, Miss Blessing Ogbodo expressed gratitude to the NJFP for the support, noting that it would significantly ease the financial burden on their parents.
Meanwhile, the Principal of the School, Rev. Boniface Ewoh, pledged to sustain a strong working relationship with the NJFP to enable the school benefit from future interventions.
“Partnerships like this reinforce the role of schools as critical pillars of community transformation,” Rev. Ewoh noted.
