The Mercy Igbe-Arase Foundation and the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF) had said they are happy fulfilling their core mandates with the award of scholarships to more than 100 students and providing succor for thousands of people in communities across Edo State.
Besides, no fewer than 32 students will be presented with cheques at the Foundation’s corporate headquarters on Sakpoba Road, Benin City on the 21st of June, 2024, to mark Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase’s birthday.
The presentation will be done by his son and staff members.
The Mercy Igbe-Arase Foundation caters to students from the Owan West and Owan East local government areas of Edo, while the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation focuses on supporting indigenes of the seven local government areas that populate Edo-South Senatorial zone and children of late Police Inspectors and Rank and File.
A statement by the Foundation noted that, “since inception, the Mercy Igbe-Arase Foundation has made significant strides in achieving its objectives through the provision of annual scholarships for indigent students, community development projects, and collaboration with local organizations to promote human rights and social justice.
“These consistent efforts have led to a tangible impact in the lives of many, fostering a brighter future for individuals and communities alike through the provision of access to education, promoting community development, and championing human rights.
“Similarly, the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, incorporated in 2022 by Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has empowered individuals and fostered community development, an initiative that has continued to inspire and make a lasting impact on the lives of many.”
At its maiden annual lecture series, the Foundation presented cheques to the first batch of scholarship recipients. It also donated essential security items to local governments in the Edo South Senatorial District.
Items donated for the use of local security operatives included 50 motorcycles with helmets, one branded Toyota Sienna van, 1,400 branded shirts and fez caps, 1,400 whistles, 200 raincoats, and 10 torches, aimed at enhancing security and community development in the region.
In its second year, the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation expanded its reach by not only catering to students of the Edo South Senatorial District but also including children of late Inspectors and Rank & File of the Nigeria Police Force who died in service.
The foundation marked this with two events: a thanksgiving service in Benin to express gratitude for the foundation’s progress, and second annual lecture series: “Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Civil and Criminal Cases by Law Enforcement Agencies in Nigeria.”
The lecture explored the advantages of ADR in promoting conflict resolution and enhancing the criminal justice system.
The event witnessed presentation of cheques to second beneficiaries of SEAF scholarship schemes. In its third year, the foundation hosted beneficiaries to a private lunch and cheque presentation, focusing on scholars and their achievements.
To date, 100 students have registered under the two foundations, with 38 having completed their mandatory service year, while 62 are in universities and polytechnics.
They share a mission to support undergraduate studies by recognising people potential.
Mercy Igbe-Arase Foundation was set up in memory of the late Madam Mercy Igbe-Arase, a teacher, by her son, Dr Arase, with friends and family, to continue her legacy.
