By Slyvester Mbam
The lawmaker representing Ohaozara East Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, and the founder of Iguson Educational Foundation, Hon. Igu Chikezie Nwankwo, has awarded scholarships to constituents in his constituency.
SpringNews gathered that more than 20 beneficiaries of the program received ₦100,000 each, along with educational materials to support their learning.
The Ebonyi State Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnia Nwifuru, represented by Hon. Chief Abiri Godwin Abiri, member representing Izzi West Constituency, commended Hon. Nwankwo for aligning with the state government’s educational initiatives. He described him as a “human developer” whose contributions will be remembered for years to come.
The governor also praised the leadership of the Foundation for their efforts and urged them to monitor the beneficiaries to ensure they maximize the support provided. He further advised the scholarship recipients to stay away from social vices and seize every opportunity to excel.
Dr. Uche Iburu, chairman of the event, described it as the first of its kind in Ohaozara East. He lauded Hon. Nwankwo’s commitment to improving education in his constituency.
Hon. Igu Chikezie Nwankwo revealed that the Foundation had quietly awarded scholarships since 1998 but decided to make the process public in 2025. He emphasized that Ohaozara East holds a significant place in the educational history of the South East, having produced Nigeria’s first Minister of Education, Onyibe Aja Nwachuku.
He reiterated the Foundation’s support for Governor Nwifuru’s educational programs, particularly the scholarship scheme for Ebonyi students studying abroad.
The Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Monday Okereke Ugwu, commended the selection committee for their rigorous process in identifying brilliant but indigent students. He applauded Hon. Nwankwo for his generosity, stating that the initiative would relieve parents of the financial burden of educating their children.
Dignitaries at the event included HRH Eze Frank Agu Eze, Traditional Ruler of Mgbom Ugwulangwu Autonomous Community; Hon. Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Agriculture; Hon. Ozoemena Njoku, Member of the Ebonyi State Internally Generated Revenue Board; Mrs. Judith Okoronkwo, wife of former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Barr. Samuel Okoronkwo; Dr. Clinton Njoku; Hon. Ikechukwu Igwe, Councilor representing Ugwulangwu Ward 3; Ohaozara APC Chairman, Mr. Nwali Chukwunweoru; and the sponsor’s wife, Associate Prof. Ntasiobi Igu Chikezie Nwankwo. They all praised the Foundation for its merit-based approach and its impact on the beneficiaries’ academic pursuits.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Nnachi Samuel Ikechukwu from Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), expressed gratitude to the sponsor and promised that the beneficiaries would make the best use of the opportunity. He also prayed for God’s guidance upon Hon. Nwankwo.