Nkechinyere Ewa, Abakaliki
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi , the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Tuesday urged beneficiaries of his 2026 scholarship programme to remain focused on their education, shun cultism and other social vices, and prepare themselves for leadership and national development.
About 930 indigent undergraduate and postgraduate students benefited from the scholarship scheme, with a total of N100 million disbursed to support their education.
Speaking during the presentation of the scholarships, Nwebonyi said the initiative was designed to ensure that financially disadvantaged students do not abandon their academic pursuits because of lack of funds.
He noted that the number of beneficiaries had grown significantly from the previous 500, explaining that additional students were included after receiving fresh recommendations.
According to him, the scholarship programme is also aimed at complementing the educational policies of the Ebonyi State Government under Governor Francis Nwifuru, whom he commended for sponsoring more than 1,000 students on local and overseas postgraduate studies.
“I never had the privilege of receiving a scholarship while I was in school. Today, God has given us the opportunity to support others so they can remain in school and achieve their dreams,” he said.
The senator charged the beneficiaries to devote themselves to their studies and avoid cultism, stressing that academic excellence, discipline and hard work remain the surest path to success.
“They should move from the classroom to their reading desks. That was the path I followed, and today I am a lawyer and a senator. I believe these students can become even greater leaders if they take advantage of this opportunity,” he added.
Nwebonyi also advised the students to channel their energy towards constructive engagement rather than using social media to attack public office holders, urging them instead to support leaders in delivering good governance.
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 education and human capital development.
She said the initiative complements the state government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and empowering young people.
Congratulating the beneficiaries, Nwamkpuma urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by pursuing academic excellence, maintaining good character and contributing positively to society.
She said the scholarship should inspire them to become responsible citizens who would play meaningful roles in the development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
Nwangbo faith Nwibo, 200 level student of Ebonyi state University, and Nwojiji Jecenta 100 level student thanked the senator for the gesture and pledged to read header to become source of help to feature generation from Ebonyi North senatorial zone and beyond.