It was an emotional and inspiring moment for guests and beneficiaries of SeedTime Educational Assistance Scheme when the Sponsor, Pastor (Barrister) Samuel Bolum Chukwudi, FCA, gave an impressive story on how the Lord God Almighty enabled him to be of immense assistance to Indigent Students through SeedTime Educational Assistance Scheme in the past 21 Years.
For 21 Years, the scheme has assisted Sixty-Seven (67) Indigent Students all through their years of Studies in various Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria and currently assisting another Thirty-Two undergoing University and Polytechnic Education also in Nigeria.
The Scheme’s 21st anniversary tagged, “Celebration in Thanksgiving to God,” was held on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at the Chukwudi Okafor’s Compound, Idumu Ihama Quarter, Issele-Mkpitime in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.
It was an occasion where positive impact, charity and generosity to the less privileged based on God’s Mandate and gracious help, was celebrated and appreciated.
The event was attended by relatives, friends, well wishes and Associates of the Sponsor and the Wife.
In his story, Pastor Bolum Chukwudi gave an insight into how the Mandate was birthed and how he consulted with the wife, Children and other family members all affirming the Mandate, even as they supported him morally to continue till date.
He revealed that the scheme was initially given the name, “IHAMA EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME”, but later, by divine inspiration, renamed, SEEDTIME EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME based upon the word of God in Genesis 8:22.
“We commenced the scheme with just two beneficiaries and the price value then was N50, 000 per beneficiary per session. We have continued to increase both the annual intake and the price over the years,” he said
Pastor Bolum said that the number of beneficiaries since 2020/2021 academic session has risen to about thirty – Five persons per session
“We have also increased the price value to Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira per session for medical students only and Three Hundred Thousand Naira per person per session for other students,” the renowned Chartered Accountant disclosed, saying it was in response to the current changes in the economy.
“The Almighty God, the initiator of the vision, has really been on our side. He has always provided for the scheme, hence this thanksgiving anniversary,” he equally affirmed, even as he maintained that the Educational Assistance Scheme has also over the years been extended to accommodate Indigent non indigenes of Issele-Mkpitime as pressing need arise, revealing also that it has at several times, due to exigencies been extended to people from neighbouring Communities and even other states in Nigeria.
Pastor Chukwudi recognized the unflinching support of his lovely wife, Mrs Esther Nigozi Chukwudi and that of their Children, who he noted “bore principally, the financial burden of this adventure”.
He also appreciated in a very special way, his immediate senior brother, Mr. Achomuba Chukwudi and the Wife for their support and commitment to the success of the Scheme.
While appreciating the Lord God Almighty for the vision and for providing exceedingly and abundantly all that is required to make the vision to be alive, and progressing successfully, he maintained that the Philanthropic Organization is not open to external donations.
“The meeting today is just to say THANK YOU LORD. All we need from you is your prayers and moral support,” he stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Administrative Manager of the Scheme, Mr Achomuba Chukwudi corroborated that the Scheme started in 2003 and said it was intended for Indigent sons and daughters of Issele-Mkpitime who had financial challenges hindering them from pursuing their dreams in higher Institutions of learning.
He said, “The entry requirement was just proof that you hail from Issele-Mkpitime; that you have actually secured admission into a Polytechnic or a University; and that your parents or guardians are in need of financial assistance to see you through school.”
Some of the beneficiaries such as Danny Nnamdi Anyasi who graduated with flying colours with B. Engr. Honours in Polymer Engineering, Mrs Aworoh Helen Chukwunweibor (Nee Nwabuzor), graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Emmanuel Uzor Ikpeamanam who also graduated from the University of Ibadan spoke on how God used the Scheme to make their dreams come true.
They all appreciated God for keeping and sustaining the Scheme after decades of massive investment in academia and human capacity development, even as they prayed to God to continue to sustain and keep the Sponsor and the family for the benefit of humanity to the glory of the Lord God Almighty.
Highlights from the impressive event included hymns of praise, praise and worship, exhortation, cutting of the anniversary cake and group photograph by the Sponsor and the wife with some of the beneficiaries.
Guests and the beneficiaries were later treated to sumptuous meals and choice drinks.
