Prince Ned Nwoko, the Chancellor of Sports University of Nigeria (SUN), Idumuje-Ugboko and present Delta North People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate, has again received due recognition for his contribution towards sports development in Nigeria, as Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku (DSPG), honours him with an award for excellence in sports development, on Tuesday, 14 February, 2023.
According to Mrs Florence Nweke, the school Registrar, who presented the award, she said that, the award is in recognition of Nwoko’s uncommon contribution towards sports development in Nigeria. With emphasis on his foresight in establishing the first Sports University in Nigeria, which has now become a beacon of hope to young athletes in the country.
Nwoko received the award with gratitude and pledged to partner with the school in future projects.
To support inventions in science and technology, which the school is famous for, Nwoko donated the sum of N50million to fund the scholarship of 100 students of the Polytechnic. He further donated two school buses to the students to ease the stress of transportation, which is currently one of the many challenges faced by the students.
Admonishing the students, the leading senatorial candidate urged the students to be logical with their voting structure. He noted that, though, he did not school in Nigeria, he, however, understands the challenges faced by Nigerian students.
He stressed that, he knows exactly the things that need to be done to enable Nigerian students get similar treatment like their counterparts abroad. He promised to do them.
However, Nwoko noted that, as a senator, he cannot function alone. Stressing that, he needs his complete team to be able to perform effectively as a senator.
In his words, “It is clear that there are many issues of concern for the students; the bursary, limited transport system, water scarcity, unstable electricity, poor roads, and more.
“I did not school in Nigeria but I understand your problems. The first thing that caught my attention was the poor state of roads within the school premises.
“We can achieve better. I know how things can work. I am determined to championing your cause, and also ensure that you get similar treatment like your fellows abroad.
“As a senator, I must ensure that your bursary is paid on time, the issues of transportation, unstable electricity, water scarcity, poor roads and others are tackled.
“But, I cannot work alone. You have to give me my complete team. People I can easily access and table our issues to. Voting me as a senator is not enough. I don’t want to be there without power to do things for you.
“I need PDP members to occupy other political offices; the Presidency, Governorship, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly.
“With a PDP Governor, I can easily take your Rector to the Government House to meet the Governor in person.
“Again, if the president is not in my team (PDP), it will be difficult to get him to approve the workable plans I have for you.”
The students drummed support for Nwoko, cheered him with a song that is loosely translated to “If it wasn’t for Ned Nwoko, we wouldn’t have gathered here.”
Earlier on, Dr. Chika Ogonwa, Dean, School of General Studies, while pointing out the amazing attributes of Nwoko, made reference to the school’s 2019 second combined convocation magazine, where the senatorial candidate was lauded as a man of integrity, a stickler for excellence, man of the people and a philanthropist of no mean stature.
The Rector, Builder Professor Emmanuel Achuenu, while receiving Nwoko, stated that, as a school, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, supports Nwoko’s candidacy.
Professor Achuenu pointed out that, as a foremost Polytechnic in South-South Geo-political zone, DSPG is an institution known for technological advancement. Pointing out that, the school is doing greatly in areas of academic and infrastructural development.
However, he stressed that, the school needs sponors who would support and encourage them, to enable the students reproduce better versions of their tested inventions.
It was on that note that Nwoko awarded the N50million scholarship to the best top hundred students of the Polytechnic.
Alongside Nwoko were, his actress wife, Mrs Regina Daniels-Nwoko, Dr. Isaac Anwasia, PDP House of Assembly candidate for Aniocha South, Dr Michael Nwoko, alias Political Oshobe, Ned Nwoko campaign organisation Director, Contact and Mobilization, Comrade Norbert Chiazor, Ned Nwoko Director of media, amongst others.
