The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as pyrates confraternity, Galleon Bay Deck, in partnership with the Thompson Henry Legacy Foundation, has commenced a scholarship programme for indigent and out-of-school children in Mpape community, Abuja, as part of activities to mark the 2026 World Literacy Day.
The initiative is designed to provide comprehensive academic scholarships to selected beneficiaries, covering their education from primary school through to tertiary institution.
As part of the programme, the organisations held a community sensitisation programme and scholarship screening exercise to identify five indigent children between the ages of six and 10 who are currently out of school due to financial constraints.
The exercise began with a community enlightenment session at the palace of the District Head of Mpape, where the delegation explained the objectives of the intervention to the traditional ruler and members of the community.
Speaking on behalf of the Capoon of Galleon Bay Deck, Emmanuel Adie Aplife, the Second Mate of the Deck, MacDonald Ekemezie, said the initiative was aimed at giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds an opportunity to access quality education.
He urged members of the community to take advantage of the opportunity and ensure that the eventual beneficiaries remain committed to their education.
Following the sensitisation session, nominated pupils underwent a screening exercise at the office of the Headmistress of LEA Primary School, Mpape, Mrs Esther Bulus, to determine the final beneficiaries.
The Headmistress commended the National Association of Seadogs and the Thompson Henry Legacy Foundation for their commitment to improving access to education and supporting educational development in the community.
Also speaking, the District Head of Mpape, HRH Musa Pada, expressed appreciation to the National Association of Seadogs for its continued support for the community and its sustained focus on developmental interventions.
The traditional ruler urged parents of the beneficiaries to ensure that their children remained committed to their studies, stressing the need to protect and maximise the investment being made in their education.
The scholarship programme forms part of activities by the National Association of Seadogs to commemorate World Literacy Day and promote access to education, particularly for children at risk of being excluded from the school system.
The initiative also underscores the organisations’ commitment to reducing the burden of out-of-school children through targeted educational support and community-based interventions.
