Nnenna Mba- Abakaliki
Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, has disbursed N100 million in scholarship grants to 830 students from the district studying in tertiary institutions, describing the initiative as a personal commitment to inspire hope and promote educational excellence.
The scholarship fund was presented to the beneficiaries on Tuesday during a ceremony held at Remeritona Hotel, Abakaliki. The event drew government officials, political leaders, academics, students and other stakeholders, who commended the senator for investing in the future of young people.
Speaking while flagging off the disbursement, Senator Nwebonyi said he never enjoyed such opportunities as a student, relying instead on his parents and well-wishers to complete his education. He stressed that the scholarship was not merely a financial intervention but an effort to encourage students to pursue academic excellence.
“We’re not just here to dish out money, but to inspire hope. Utilize this opportunity and give your best. Ebonyi State can be the best. I promised to use this position to set a standard of leadership. I’m not doing it for votes but out of personal responsibility. It is from my personal fund,” the senator said.
Chairman of the occasion and Principal Secretary to the Governor, Chief Mathias Adum, applauded Nwebonyi for extending his empowerment programmes to students after reaching other sectors of society, including farmers, business owners, rural dwellers and the political class. He described the senator as “a man of courage and resilience” and urged the beneficiaries to make themselves, their families and Ebonyi State proud through academic excellence.
Adum also advised students to use social media responsibly and avoid attacking leaders online, saying the scholarship programme was part of efforts to create a better future for the younger generation.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, described the scholarship initiative as a worthwhile investment in human capital, noting that education remains the foundation for individual and societal development. He encouraged the beneficiaries to remain committed to their studies and strive for greater academic success.
In his goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Mobilization, Angel Odono, thanked Senator Nwebonyi on behalf of students across the state and pledged their support for the senator and other APC candidates in future elections. He said students would continue to participate actively in the electoral process.
Also speaking, the member representing Izzi West State Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiri Godwin, said the scholarship scheme complements Governor Francis Nwifuru’s education agenda. He praised the senator for his developmental projects, including road construction and streetlight installation, and urged the beneficiaries to focus on their studies and shun social vices.
Professor Daniel Nwibo described Senator Nwebonyi as “a shining light” whose investment in education would leave a lasting legacy. He encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity and, in the future, extend similar support to others.
Other stakeholders equally congratulated the students and urged them to utilize the funds wisely while assuring the senator of their continued support.
