The annual scholarship program of Hon. Chief Abiri Godwin Abiri, the member representing Izzi West Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, has entered its second edition, benefiting over 35 students with ₦120,000 each.
Hon. Abiri stated that the primary goal of the scholarship program is to invest in education, which he considers the greatest asset for his people. He explained that this vision led to the establishment of the Chief Godwin Abiri Scholarship Foundation, the main sponsor of the initiative.
Expressing gratitude to God, Hon. Abiri acknowledged the inspiration he drew from Governor Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnia Nwifuru, who has been running scholarship programs since his tenure as Speaker and has continued at both local and international levels as Governor. He also commended the scholarship committee, led by Mr. Paulinus Alegu, for their diligent selection of indigent but brilliant students for the award.
Congratulating the beneficiaries, Hon. Abiri urged them to remain committed to their studies, assuring them that the program would continue to support dedicated and outstanding students.
Speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion, Dr. Nwali Okata, emphasized that the scholarship program provides students with an opportunity to advance their education while easing the financial burden on their parents. He encouraged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the award to secure a brighter future.
Similarly, Hon. Igu Chikezie Nwankwo, the member representing Ohaozara East Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, praised the initiative as a significant boost for education. He lauded Hon. Abiri for his dedication to the welfare of his constituents.
The Chairman of the Chief Godwin Abiri Scholarship Foundation, Mr. Paulinus Alegu, assured that the foundation would continue to identify and support intelligent and underprivileged students.
Hon. Chris Uchaji of the Ebonyi State Civil Service Commission described the gesture as a commendable act of modern leadership, urging others in public office to emulate Hon. Abiri’s commitment to human capital development.
Dr. Ntasiobi Igu Chikezie Nwankwo, an Associate Professor at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, advised the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously to justify the lawmaker’s investment in their future.
Expressing their gratitude, Mr. Nwoga Christian Solomon of Alex Ekwueme Federal University and Miss Fidelia Oshim of Ebonyi State University shared how the scholarship had renewed their hope in education. Miss Oshim, a medical laboratory student who lost her father, said she had almost given up on schooling until Hon. Abiri’s scholarship gave her a new opportunity.
The event was highlighted by the presentation of a portrait to Hon. Abiri by the beneficiaries in appreciation of his support.