Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has disbursed N100 million in scholarship to 930 indigent undergraduate and postgraduate students under his foundation’s 2025 scheme.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Abakaliki, Senator Nwebonyi said the gesture was aimed at preventing indigent students from dropping out of school and at complementing Governor Francis Nwifuru’s efforts in the education sector.
The lawmaker representing Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone said the number of beneficiaries was increased from 500 to 830, with an additional list of over 100 students added during the event.
“I expect them to be serious with their studies because like I said, in our own time I didn’t have this type of opportunity. I didn’t benefit from anybody in form of scholarship,” he said.
“But now, things have changed. People like us are out to support them to make sure that those indigent students don’t drop out of school.
“So, I expect the students, in as much as I can carve out this money on my own with the support of my well-wishers and supporters, to utilise this opportunity and make sure they don’t join cultism.
“They should read from the classroom to their reading desks, and that is what I did, and I am a lawyer, and that gave me the edge to be in the Senate.
“So, we expect that by tomorrow, we are going to have better leaders than us because we have given them golden opportunity to excel,” he added.
Senator Nwebonyi also urged the beneficiaries to desist from using social media to castigate leaders, but to support them to do more for the people.
Representing the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwamkpuma, commended the senator for investing in education and the future of Ebonyi youths.
She said the initiative demonstrates full commitment to human capital development and complements the state government’s efforts in promoting quality education and youth empowerment.
“Let this scholarship invite you to become responsible citizens who will contribute meaningfully to the development of our state and nation,” she told the beneficiaries.
Mrs. Nwamkpuma congratulated the students and urged them to make the lawmaker, the state and the nation proud by being dedicated to their studies, upholding excellence and shunning all negative behaviours.
Senator Nwaebonyi noted that he has set standards in different sectors through quality representat
ion since assuming office.
