A non-governmental organisation, Axis of Hope Initiative, has paid the WAEC fees of 50 indigent students of Government Secondary School, Phase 4, Kubwa, Abuja.
The NGO did this to fulfil a promise it made to the school during the International Day of the Girl Child in October 2024.
Commenting on the gesture, the founder, Axis of Hope Initiative, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, said the foundation “is starting by paying the WAEC fees of 50 indigent students. Education is the right of every child. It is our pleasure to contribute to their quest for knowledge and in their future.”
“Today we want to fulfill our pledge to pay WAEC fees of indigent students to enable them to write their final examinations that will usher them into various higher institutions.
“We are part of this great institution and will be glad to assist the students in any way we can as future leaders.
“We assure you that the future is bright in spite of any current challenges. With God on your side all obstacles will be surmounted to pave the way to a glorious future.
“We encourage you to study hard. There is no substitute for hard work. Face your studies; by God’s grace, you will come out with flying colours. We are a big family now. We love you and care for your progress, development and advancement in life.”
According to him, “It is obvious that girls all over the world are vulnerable and suffer marginalization, molestation, rape etc.
“We are here to change the narrative and give hope to all girls in the country particularly the students of this famous school by changing vulnerabilities to strength, assist you in enforcing your fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, and help you to maximise your potentials.
“We want to assure students of this school that your future is bright. The fact that you are studying here is a testament to your resilience, passion and ability to fulfill your destinies.
“The Axis of Hope Initiative will support you in actualizing your dreams and make sure that no child is left behind in pursuit of her academics. Knowledge is power and a pathway to success and greatness.
“We therefore encourage you to take your studies seriously as it will help you to learn new skills, develop critical thinking abilities, become more informed citizens and make better decisions.
“The students slogan, ‘I want to be great, l want to be great ….’, is an eloquent testimony and affirmation of your inherent great potential, ambitions and visions.
“As you have spoken and believed, it will come to pass. Our joy is to see you become great in this country and abroad. That is why we are here. We had a pleasant time with the management and students of this great school and have returned to fulfill the promise we made last October,” he said.
The school principal, Kolawole Oseh, commended Axis of Hope Initiative for putting smiles on the faces of the students and urged other groups and individuals to do the same.
