August 23, 2024 was indeed an edifying moment at Isophumini, Mbeke Ishieke, the country-home of the Senate Deputy Chief Whip and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial district – Distinguished Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi as nine final year Medical Students of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo paid him a thank-you-visit.
Recall that Senator Nwebonyi had offset the outstanding fees of N6.9m for the nine students who were at the verge of dropping out of school due to their inability to clear the backlog of fees. Senator Nwebonyi’s attention was drawn to their plights by the former Medical Director of FMC, Dr Ezeonu.
Speaking through the leader of the group- Mr Nwagu Kelvin Toochukwu appreciated Senator Nwebonyi for coming to their rescue when all hope was lost. He said that they went through hell to navigate the difficult terrain of the medical courses as pioneer students of the institution but expressed happiness that all them made distinctions in their final exams.
The visibly elated students handed over a big plaque as a token of gratitude to the Senator. Some of the soul- touching inscriptions on the portrait underscores their fervent prayers, gratitude, and appreciation to the Senator for his benevolence.
Responding, Senator Nwebonyi appreciated the students for showing gratitude adding that gratitude is an application for more. He expressed happiness with their academic excellence and urged them to endeavour to give back to the society by remaining in Nigeria to practice instead of traveling abroad.
Senator Nwebonyi further explained that he was moved to help out because of the importance of their profession to humanity and his resolve to invest in human resources noting that health problems don’t know any nationality or tribe. He insisted that as leaders, one must extend the hand of fellowship across the Niger in order to contribute to national development. He immediately announced the payment of all the outstanding fees due for their graduation and clearance running into millions of naira and charged them to be worthy ambassadors of their respective states.
Remarkably, it is only one of the beneficiaries- Mr Nwagu Kelvin Toochukwu who’s from Ebonyi state, others are Mr Timothy Demesugh from Benue state, Asogwa Ifeoma from Enugu state, Nwabuzo Oluchi Nwosu from Imo state, Nneli Marydoris from Anambra state including Osun state and others.
The glorious event was witnessed by some members of the state Executive Council, House of Assembly Members, Development Centre Coordinators among other dignitaries.
Romanus Uzor Ozioko
Special Assistant to the Senate Deputy Chief Whip.
(Media and Publicity)
August 24, 2024.