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) bringing his total investment in the three-year scholarship to about N21 million. The beneficiaries are already in their final year.
In his address at the ceremony, Senator Akobundu reiterated his commitment to the educational development and the socio-economic well-being 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 can not 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.
On his part, the Special Guest, Prof. Henry Eke, a Professor of Law and the Vice Chancellor of Amadeus University, Ikwuano, commended Senator Akobundu for the educational cash support to the students, describing it as a “bold initiative” of the Senator.
“These grants to our youths in tertiary institutions in the senatorial district is one bold initiative that reflects Senator Akobundu’s unwavering commitment to the expansion of educational opportunities and support to deserving students in their pursuit of academic excellence.
“I sincerely commend the Distinguished Senator for this scheme, congratulate the lucky beneficiaries of the grants, and at once, urge them to wisely utilise the grants in procuring their essential needs for their educational advancement,” he stated.
While calling on public spirited individuals and organisations with similar vision to support the consolidation of the initiative, Prof. Eke described Akobundu as an “amazing individual” whose character it is to always reach out to those in need. He extolled the excellent relationship Senator Akobundu has maintained with Amadeus University and its proprietor, Dr Godwin Nwabunka, over the years, saying such relationship has had immense benefits to the university and its students.
Other dignitaries present at the event included National Assistant Youth Leader of the ADC, South-East Zone, Comrade Paul Nwagbala; 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 candidate in the 2027 general elections, has continued to invest in other scholarships at various levels, benefiting numerous constituents across Abia Central.
