Greensprings School as part of its effort to help indigent students excel in their academics and sports has awarded an educational scholarship worth over N20 million to two exceptional students.
Quadri Araromi, from Lahinde Primary School, Oshodi and Light Chijioke from Gbaja Boys Junior School, Surulere Lagos State would resume at Greensprings School, Lekki on full scholarship for being adjudged the best footballers at the recently concluded Greensprings/Kanu Football Camp.
While Quadri Araromi will start primary six at Greensprings, Light Chijioke will start from junior secondary two come September 2019.
Lai Koiki, executive director, Greensprings School, while speaking at the award gala event said the Greensprings/Kanu Football Camp is in line with the school’s objective of reaching all Nigerian children so it engages in activities that will extend its reach, including sports.
Koiki said the scholarship worth over N20 million includes; the provision of accommodation, school uniforms, pocket money and other necessities that will get them immersed in the system, as well as help them to succeed and excel in their academics and sports.
She further said that though the students were awarded the scholarship based on their exceptional skills in football, the school however prioritises education and would ensure that the students put their studies first.
Emmanuel Essien, sector lead, education and religious institution, Union Bank said the bank is committed to education and sports while ensuring it provides the needed opportunity for everyone to be the best that they can be.
Essien observes that the Kanu football camp is an example of inclusion because it brought together children from different backgrounds.
He opines that apart from sponsoring five students to the camp, the bank have presented cash reward of N100,000 each to the most valuable female player and four others.
On his part, Dotun Coker, the Chairman, Technical Committee of the Lagos State Football Association, observed that since the inception of the programme, the state team has always produced the beneficiaries of the scholarship.
Coker said the Lagos Football Association endorsed the initiative by Greensprings School because it is a way of giving back to the society, adding that the state sponsors 20 students to the camp annually.
He said the Eko Football cuts across all parts of the state and is aimed at creating an effective marriage between education and football.
The Greensprings/Kanu Football Camp was established in 2012 by Greensprings School and Kanu Heart Foundation to enable children between the ages of five and 17 enhance their football skills.
During the five-day camp, children get first class training by coaches from West Bromwich Abion Football Club, UK and Dutch Football Association, Netherlands, supported by coaches from the Lagos State Football Association. The participants also get a lifetime opportunity to receive direct mentoring and coaching from Nwankwo Kanu.
KELECHI EWUZIE
