‎From Chijioke Ufoh, Abakaliki

‎The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, on Tuesday, launched a ₦100 million scholarship fund to support the education of 830 undergraduate students.

‎Nwebonyi, who urged the beneficiaries to strive for academic excellence and become worthy ambassadors of the district during the launch of the scholarship scheme in Abakaliki, said the initiative was conceived over a decade ago as a personal commitment to improving lives through education.

‎He explained that the programme was designed to ease the financial burden on students while promoting academic excellence and leadership.

‎He encouraged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity by remaining dedicated to their studies and contributing positively to society, stressing that the scholarship was intended to inspire a culture of excellence and service.

‎The lawmaker also reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Ebonyi North, highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects in the district.

‎He commended President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing federal highway project linking Ebonyi to Benue and Abuja, describing it as a critical intervention that would enhance connectivity and economic growth.

‎Earlier, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr Mathias Adum, described education as the bedrock of sustainable development and urged the beneficiaries to utilize the scholarship responsibly by pursuing their academic goals with diligence.

‎Several dignitaries, including lawmakers, local government chairmen, party leaders and government officials, commended Nwebonyi for personally funding the initiative.

‎They described the scholarship as a strategic investment in human capital and urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through outstanding academic performance.

‎Some of the beneficiaries, including Miss Peace Nwibo, a 400-level Law student, and Tochukwu Nwankwo, a 600-level Medicine and Surgery student, both of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), expressed gratitude to Nwebonyi for the gesture and pledged to excel academically and serve as worthy ambassadors of Ebonyi State.