The Association of Esan Professionals has awarded grants worth N150,000 each to 50 students of Esan origin studying in various tertiary institutions in Lagos State as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative to Esanland.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday, where AEP said the beneficiaries were drawn from the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and Yaba College of Technology.

According to the President of AEP, Dr Henry Egbiki, the 50 students were selected from the five local government areas predominantly inhabited by Esan people in Edo State. These LGAs are Esan Central, Esan South-East, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Igueben, with 10 students chosen from each.

Egbiki said the scholarship programme would be held annually and was established to give back to Esanland through support for education.

He explained that the association set up a screening committee composed of competent individuals to ensure only deserving students benefitted from the grant. Although the committee faced some challenges during the selection process, he said those were successfully addressed.

Also speaking after the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries, the Chairman of the screening committee, Mr Judge Okoyo, described the initiative as part of AEP’s contribution to educational development in Esanland.

One of the recipients, Oziegbe St Joseph, a 300-level architecture student at UNILAG, expressed appreciation on behalf of all the beneficiaries, praying for continued blessings upon the association.

Another beneficiary, Paulina Godfrey, also a 300-level student at UNILAG, said she was grateful for the unexpected support and promised to use the grant wisely.