By Dayo Adesulu

THE winner of Luzneema Foundation scholarship award has emerged. Miss Cecilia Oluwasola Osho 19, beat nine final contestants to clinch the only 2014 slot for Nigerian youths to study in Canada.

The Chief Executive Officer of Luzneeema Foundation, Mrs Mobo Oresegun said about 100 applications were received for the scholarship. After several screening, she noted, ten candidates were shortlisted for the interview where Cecilia beat nine contestants to clinch the only slot.

From left: Mrs Mobo Oresegun, CEO, Luzneema Foundation; Miss Cecilia Oluwasola, winner of Luzneema 2014 scholarship award and her grandmother, Mrs Florence Ajayi Lawrence during the award in Ogudu, Lagos.

From left: Mrs Mobo Oresegun, CEO, Luzneema Foundation; Miss Cecilia Oluwasola, winner of Luzneema 2014 scholarship award and her grandmother, Mrs Florence Ajayi Lawrence during the award in Ogudu, Lagos.

In Cecilia’s reaction after she was announced winner, she said; “I feel really good to be the recipient of this scholarship, its like manna from heaven.”

Recalling how she knew about the scholarship award, she said it was like an answer to her prayers after going through a lot in recent times. “I thank God I finally made it,”she said.

Relaying her experience before she emerged winner. Cecilia said; “Before the interview, I was disoriented because I didn’t come along with all the required documents for the interview, but I kept hope alive.

“I had tried my hands on so many things in the past, so I wanted to give this Luzneema Canadian scholarship a try. As I hoped for the best, God ensured this came at the right moment for me and at the right age because it is just for people that are from 15 to 19 and am already 19, which means the door is automatically closed for me to reapply next year.”

Asked what she intends to study in Canada, she picked Economics and gave reasons for her choice. According to her; “I see myself as this big entrepreneur. I just want to create things for myself and opportunities for other people to make Nigeria better. I have big dreams, one day I am going to probably run for president of Nigeria. So, I don’t think I am going anywhere, I will be here in the country after completion of my studies.”

On her part, Cecilia’s grandmother, Mrs. Florence Ajayi Lawrence said: ”It means a lot to me and I thank God because it’s a long journey.”

According to her, getting admission into a university is not easy because Cecilia had written so many exams in the last few years.

Her words: “Its just recently she was shortlisted at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife. Its only God, as this just came like a miracle and I have confidence in her that she will do well and not disappoint the foundation and the country.

“At first, I expressed my doubts about the scholarship thing, however, I gave her money to buy the form. I did not expect anything until she told me I have to follow her today for the interview.”

“But what I am happy about is her industrousness and enterprising spirit. While awaiting admission she didn’t idle about, as she took every opportunity to develop herself.

“Today, she can make bags, shoes, beads and so many other craft.”