Igu, Ebonyi lawmaker boosts education

From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo

The administration Governor Francis Nwifuru is investing massively in education and human capital development.

Recently, the government dispatched 206 persons to the United Kingdom where they are currently pursuing various postgraduate programmes.

Locally, several persons in the state especially politicians are taking a cue from the governor.

The member representing Ohaozara East State Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Igu Chikezie Nwankwo, has taken his support for education to the next level with the recent public presentation of scholarship awards to recipients by his Iguson Educational Foundation.

No fewer than 20 beneficiaries received cash awards and educational materials from the Foundation to enhance their learning process.

The governor, who was represented by the member representing Izzi West State Constituency, Chief Abiri Godwin Abiri, said that the lawmaker had done well by keying into the educational programme of the government.

Nwifuru described Igu as a human being developer whose works within the state shall be remembered for a long time.

He commended the leadership of the Foundation for their perfect job imploring them to monitor the beneficiaries and make sure that they make best use of the supports. He also urged the beneficiaries to always avoid social vices.

Chairman of the occasion, Dr Uche Iburu from the Ebonyi State University, said it was the first of its kind in Ohaozara East. He lauded the lawmaker for his urge to enhance the educational standard of his constituents.

Remarking, the benefactor, Hon Igu Chikezie Nwankwo said that the Foundation has been silent in the scholarship awards since 1998, noting that he merely decided to make it public this year.

He described Ohaozara East as the cradle of education in South Eastern Region having produced Nigeria’s first Minister of Education, Onyibe Aja Nwachuku.

In his speech, Chairman of the foundation, Dr Monday Okereke Ugwu disclosed that screening the beneficiaries was not easy for his committee because of the large number of applicants and the meticulous process of consultations, before arriving at the crop of brilliant indigent students.

He commended the sponsor of the scheme calling him a provider who has come to lessen the burden of parents in educating their children.

Dignitaries who spoke at the occasion including the traditional ruler of Mgbom Ugwulangwu Autonomous Community, Eze Frank Agu Eze, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku, Ebonyi State Internally Generated Revenue Board member, Ozoemena Njoku, and the wife of the sponsor, Dr. Ntasiobi Igu, all praised the wonderful initiative of the foundation. They noted that the selection was based on merit, harping that the awards will go a long way in advancing the educational pursuit of the beneficiaries.

A beneficiary, Nnachi Samuel Ikechukwu of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), on behalf of his colleagues, assured that they will make judicious use of the opportunity. He thanked their benefactor and prayed God for more guidance.