The Chief Executive Officer and President of Erisco Foods Limited, Dr. Eric Umeofia has announced a cash reward of N1 million to Ifeoma Amuche, one of the best-graduating students of Southwest University, China.
Ifeoma, a Nigerian who studied Chinese Language and Literature at the university, emerged as one of the best graduating students of the institution in June, this year.
Umeofia, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH on Wednesday at Erisco Food Limited Headquarters, Alausa, Lagos State, stated that he was impressed by Ifeoma’s achievement after reading her interview with Saturday PUNCH.
He announced that a cash gift of N1 million be awarded to Ifeoma in order to encourage her and other youths to continue doing Nigeria and the entire black race proud.
He said, “We appreciate God for one of us, a Nigerian, who has made us proud in China by coming out as one of the best-graduating students out of over 8,000 students and what we can do is to support her by giving her a token.
“It marvels me to hear that kind of news. It is not an easy feat. We cannot hear that without showing our own support no matter how little it is.
“I doff my cap for her; she is really intelligent and she has placed Nigeria on the map once again. We deemed it fit to recognise and appreciate her because she has gone outside our territory to make us proud.”
He further encouraged Ifeoma to go on and triumph in China.
“Africans and Nigerians specifically are intelligent and good. The only problem is that we lack support. We hope that the country (Nigeria) gets to where God has destined us,” he noted.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of Ifeoma, her brother, Onyekachi Nwafor, responding to Dr Umeofia, noted that the family appreciated the gesture from the businessman to recognise excellence and hard work.
He said, “We appreciate you for recognising the efforts of our sister, Ifeoma, for all she was able to achieve. She has been a brilliant kid right from when she was little.
“As a family, we are proud and happy that her excellence has brought pride to us and the country at large. We thank the management for the continued show of love to Nigerians.”
Umeofia also congratulated Ifeoma via a WhatsApp video chat at the event, pledging his support to her and other youths who have records of academic excellence.
He further enjoined Nigerians to continue to patronise homemade products in place of imported goods.
