The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has awarded scholarships worth ₦100 million to 930 indigent undergraduate and postgraduate students from Ebonyi North Senatorial District, urging the beneficiaries to remain focused on their education and shun cultism and other social vices.
Speaking during the scholarship award ceremony, Senator Nwebonyi said the initiative was introduced to ensure that financially challenged but academically promising students do not abandon their education due to lack of funds.
He disclosed that the number of beneficiaries was increased from the initial 500 to 930 following additional requests from qualified students.
The lawmaker encouraged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity by concentrating on their studies, maintaining discipline and avoiding criminal activities, particularly cultism.
Senator Nwebonyi also cautioned the students against using social media to insult or attack political leaders, urging them instead to engage constructively and support leaders in delivering democratic dividends.
He noted that the scholarship scheme complements the education initiatives of the Ebonyi State Government under Governor Francis Nwifuru, whom he credited with sponsoring more than 1,000 graduates for Master’s and PhD programmes within and outside Nigeria.
According to the senator, effective representation extends beyond lawmaking to include investments in education, youth development and poverty reduction.
Representing the wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwamkpuma, described the scholarship programme as a strategic investment in the future of Ebonyi youths.
She commended Senator Nwebonyi for his commitment to human capital development and urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through academic excellence, discipline and good character.
Mrs. Nwamkpuma further encouraged the students to become responsible citizens who will contribute meaningfully to the development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
