Izon Language students under the scholarship scheme of High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi, Ph.D, have expressed profound appreciation to the Ibe-Benimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom and Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) for his sustained investment in their education and the preservation of Izon language and culture.

The students, in a statement signed by Comrade Abednego Douperegha, former President of the National Union of Izon-Ibe Students (NUIS), College of Education Warri Chapter (COEWA), and President of the Izon Language Students Association, COEWA, described Dr. Pondi’s intervention as life-changing.

"On behalf of all the Izon Language Students under your scholarship scheme, I wish to express our profound gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to you for your exceptional generosity, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the education and advancement of the Izon people.

"Sir, from the deepest part of our hearts, we sincerely appreciate you. We believe that you were sent by God to lift people who were in the dungeon of hopelessness and give them the opportunity to see the great light of hope, education, and a better future," they added 

The graduated students said the scholarship initiative has given hope and educational opportunities to many students, including those who had previously abandoned their academic dreams due to financial hardship and family responsibilities.

Douperegha, who shared his personal experience, said he had spent about 20 years out of school after completing secondary education and had almost given up hope of furthering his studies before benefiting from the scholarship.

“Today, because of your kindness and intervention, I am a graduate,” he stated, adding that the support had restored his hope, renewed his purpose and enabled him to become proud of his Izon language heritage.

The students noted that the scheme has gone beyond funding education, saying it has contributed significantly to the revival, promotion and preservation of the Izon language and culture amid the growing influence of modernisation and Western education.

They described the sponsorship of a large number of Izon Language students in higher institutions over the years as a rare and remarkable contribution to the development of the Izon Nation.

According to the statement, Dr. Pondi’s humanitarian efforts have also impacted people across different tribes and communities, reflecting what the students called a commitment to using leadership and resources to transform lives.

"As the saying goes, you did not merely give us fish to eat; you taught us how to catch fish. Through education, you have equipped us with knowledge and skills that will continue to benefit us, our families, our communities, and generations yet unborn," they declared.

The beneficiaries appealed to traditional rulers, leaders, organisations, sons and daughters of the Izon Nation, as well as other well-meaning individuals, to support and sustain the initiative.

They prayed for God’s continued strength, wisdom, sound health and greater accomplishments for Dr. Pondi, while thanking him for investing in their future and helping to preserve the Izon language and cultural identity.