In fulfilment of his promise and in further demonstration of purposeful, people-oriented leadership, Senator Austin Akobundu on Saturday awarded education grants of N200,000 each to 114 Abia Central students in tertiary institutions across the country.
The grants were presented to the beneficiaries at a brief but colourful ceremony held at the Golden Olive Hotel, Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
In addition to the grants, Senator Akobundu also paid N7.2 million as full and final payment, in advance, for the remaining two semesters of 113 constituents under his full three-year scholarship programme at the National Teachers Institute (NTI). The beneficiaries are already in their final year.
In his address at the ceeremony, Senator Akobundu reiterated his commitment to the educational development and the socio-economic wellbeing of Abia Central youths. He described education as the bedrock of a nation’s greatness.
“History teaches us that the greatness of a nation is not measured by the height of its walls or the sophistication of its weapons, but by the quality of its educated citizenry. Education remains the most powerful weapon we can give our children,” he declared.
He vowed never to abandon the cause of supporting youths through education, even when resources are limited.
“That is why today, we are rolling out Education Grants for students of Abia Central origin in tertiary institutions across the country. No child in Abia Central should drop out of school because of poverty. Not while I am your Senator. I may not be able to cover everyone at the same time, but step by step, one after the other, I hope to reach many.
“This is what responsible leadership demands: to go the extra mile even when resources are lean, to place people above politics, and to choose the future over the present,” he added.
Senator Akobundu also highlighted other skills acquisition and empowerment programmes sponsored by his office. These include the training of 400 secondary school students in Embedded Systems Engineering, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI); the training of 360 youths in high-demand ICT fields such as UI/UX, Web Design, Graphics Design, Cyber Security Systems and Operations, Digital Marketing, Forex Trading, Software Development and Data Science; and the sponsorship of 300 youths and women in paint making and cosmetics production, with cash awards and start-up kits to support their businesses. Another set of beneficiaries trained in sewing and farming went home with brand new sewing machines, farm inputs and cash support.
“All of these have led us to this moment.
“We know the reality. Many of our undergraduates are brilliant and determined, yet face severe financial hardship that threatens to cut short their dreams. I have heard you. I have seen your struggles. And as your Senator, I cannot look away,” he enthused.
While responding, the visibly elated beneficiaries hailed the Senator as a “father, leader, mentor and motivator,” saying they have never had it so good in their time. They noted that while it was common for political leaders to abandon campaign promises soon after assuming office or return to the people only during election season, Senator Akobundu, they said, has remained committed and consistent in service and project delivery since his inauguration. They expressed delight that he has continued to empower his constituents without allowing politics to distract him, and pledged to spread the news of his performance in their institutions and communities while supporting his political aspirations.
Earlier in his remarks, a stakeholder and former lawmaker who represented Ikwuano State Constituency in the 7th Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Stanley Nwabuisi, who also served as Chairman of the Planning Committee, commended Senator Akobundu for his vision for skills acquisition and empowerment. He disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected from the six Local Government Areas that make up the senatorial district through a merit-based process that included a significant quota for indigent students. He assured of the Senator’s continued commitment to the people’s welfare.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Vice Chancellor of Amadeus University, Ikwuano, Prof. Henry Eke; National Vice Chairman of the ADC, South-East Zone, Comrade Paul Nwagbala; and other party leaders and stakeholders including Elder Henry Nwoha, Hon. G.C. Iwuoha, Hon. Onuigbo, Comrade Osondu Ajuzie, Hon. Chuks Ekpe, Hon. Christian Akobundu, Chief Jerome Okosisi, Hon. Jalo, Sir Emeka Ukandu, Mrs. Ebillah Victoria of NTI, and Pastor Ekeleme Ikeije.
It will be recalled that Senator Austin Akobundu, who is also the ADC Senatorial candiadte in the 2027 general elections, has continued to invest in other scholarships at various levels, benefiting numerous constituents across Abia Central.
