BY MARTINS EDUJE
The Austin Epadi Igbuku light on foundation with the slogan "Youth Educational Award for Better Leadership and National Excellence" held its annual scholarship awards with a novelty football match between Aviara Secondary Commercial School and Irri Grammar School on 5th December 2025, at the open field of Aviara Secondary Commercial School Aviara, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The event which commenced with a novelty match attracted dignitaries across board as students from 20 Schools invited for the scholarship were busy taking examination tests in Mathematics, English Language and General Knowledge in the Aviara Secondary Commercial hall where the best students would be awarded annual scholarship of two hundred thousand naira (200,000:00) for a 1st degree course in any Nigeria University in 2026.
The Aviara Secondary Commercial school football team defeated Irri Grammar school football team with two goals to one (2-1) and was presented a trophy, cash and football while Irri Grammar school went home with football and cash from the foundation.
The Principal of Aviara Secondary Commercial School Mrs.Ekelemu P.E in her welcome address lauded the founder of the foundation Dr.Austin Epadi Igbuku, noting that the history of the school cannot be written without mentioning his name.
She noted that the foundation was launched on the 4th of may 2009 with its first award aimed at developing the next generation of leaders from Isoko South and North Local Government Areas and to recognise outstanding performance in academic.
She noted that, the assistance received through grants and support from the Foundation are indeed commendable.
Dr. Austin Igbuku while speaking on the foundation said the Austin Epadi Igbuku light on foundation was initiated by Dr.and Mrs. Augustine Igbuku and is aimed at raising a generation of better future leaders in Isoko Communities being a product of what good Education brings and the unending opportunities thereof, "the Igbukus decided to give as much back to Aviara Isoko Community and the Nigerian Nation as our almighty God would have them do"he said Education gives liberation and makes one powerful to stand and speak with people that matters citing example with President Barrack Obama of America and Nelson Mandela of South Africa, regrettably most people under play the power of Education and this is where we are today preaching the message of Education. He noted that the foundation was laid down in honour of his late father Mr.Thomas Epadi Igbuku who died at the age 51years, as Principal of Abiogu Grammar School Owhokpaka, he was a model, well spoken and intelligent man that we still benefit from his name as a man in the community, he became a super Headmaster at the age of 25 in Isoko and went to University of Ilorin at the age of 45 as a pioneer student, Graduated at 49 and was posted as a copper to Uzere Grammar school and was posted as Vice Principal and a year later he became a Principal, regrettably, he died after two years as principal, while stressing that, there is need as children who understands the importance of education "we must provide a memory for the things he did while he was alive and in conclusion, leadership is very important that is why we support leadership".
A well equipped modern science laboratory provided by the foundation was commissioned by HRM. Imoh. Ogbodu 1, the Ovie of Aviara Kingdom he lauded praises on the founder of the Austin Epadi Igbuku light on foundation for their humanitarian service to Aviara Community.
Panel of judges were constituted to decide 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions among the 20 secondary schools present oral English Language competition by the end the day Irri Grammar school came 1st with 17 marks going home with the trophy and cash prize, while Aviara Secondary Commercial School came 2nd with 14.5 and went home with a cash prize and Emede Grammar school came out 3rd with 11.5 marks also went home with a cash prize.
Austin Epadi Igbuku light on foundation also presented textbooks to Aviara Secondary Commercial School Aviara. Including the Pursuit of Sterling Attitude and Honorarium textbooks to all students and teachers present at event by Dr.Austin Igbuku.
The presentation of Scholarship Award were presented to winners and runners up from the foundation accordingly, while the Scholarship Award to the best student emerged from Ada Grammar School and presentation was performed by Dr.Austin Igbuku the founder of the foundation.
Highlights of a event was the dance by the Students of Aviara Secondary Commercial School Aviara.
Some of the dignitaries present at the event are: Chief.Okpeva Fred, Engr. Adidi David, Aviara Council of Chiefs, Mrs. Akpono (CIE Representative), Mrs. Igbuku mother of Dr.Austin Igbuku and family, Barr. Okueni ( Director Post Primary Board Oleh). Pastor Samuel Elighomue and others.
Isoko mirror captures the event.