An NGO, Mathew Okpebholor Foundation, on Saturday offered  scholarships to 500 indigent Edo State students in higher institutions across the country.
Presenting the awards at Uromi, headquarters of Esan North East Local Government of the State the Founder, Dr Mathew Okepebholor, said the gesture was to encourage intelligent students from the state who were mostly indigent.
He explained that the foundation had earmarked N25 million for payment to students studying in various public higher institutions in the country, adding that each of them would receive N50,000.
“The beneficiaries are indigents from Edo with community origin and the funds are given to those who really need them.
“The next edition of the scholarship award will be increased to N100,000 per students,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries thanked the foundation for the gesture and urged other spirited individuals and groups to do same with the view to imparting the desired knowledge on students.
Miss Amazemen Oturu, a beneficiary, thanked the foundation for reaching out to them.
“I had earlier borrowed money with the hope that when I do menial job I will refund the money
“But with this scholarship now, I can easily refund the money and face my studies” she said.
Another beneciary, Miss Blessing Omage, a final year student of University of Benin,  said the money would be channelled to her project work.