By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Abia State lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Chief Collins Iheonunekwu, has launched an education support scheme benefiting no fewer than 250 undergraduate students, as part of efforts to boost access to higher education in the area.
The initiative tagged “the 1st Phase of the OCHAKE EDUCATION SUPPORT SCHEME” took place on Monday at Okpuala Ngwa, the headquarters of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, Iheonunekwu congratulated the beneficiaries on their admission into tertiary institutions, promising to sustain the programme as an annual intervention to support education development in the constituency.
He said the initiative was inspired by the exceptional leadership qualities of the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Ginger Onwusibe, whom he described as his major motivator.
The lawmaker also called on the students to support the administration of Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, noting that the governor had transformed the state and deserved a second term to sustain ongoing developmental strides.
In their separate goodwill messages, Rep. Onwusibe and the Deputy Managing Director of Signature Bank, Dr. Alex Alozie, urged the students to embrace hard work, dedication, and commitment in their academic pursuits.
They also advised them to shun social vices capable of jeopardising their future and bringing disrepute to their families.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Isiala Ngwa North, Mr. Chiedozie Uruakpa, and the Leader of the Isiala Ngwa North Legislative Council, Mr. Alvan Chima, commended Iheonunekwu for the initiative, describing it as impactful and timely.
The high point of the event was the distribution of bursary awards to the beneficiaries and announcement of additional monetary donations to the scheme by Rep. Onwusibe and Dr Alozie.
