Nwebonyi cautions pupils about secret societies, grants N100m in financial aid to 930 disadvantaged learners

Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has issued a stern warning to recipients of his scholarship programme, advising them to steer clear of cultism, prostitution, and other detrimental social vices, and instead, maintain their focus on academic pursuits.

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Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, has awarded a total of N100 million in scholarships to 930 financially disadvantaged undergraduate and postgraduate students through his foundation's annual education support programme.

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The primary objective of this initiative, according to Nwebonyi, is to prevent students from low-income backgrounds from being forced to abandon their education due to financial constraints.

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The programme also serves as a complement to the education initiatives implemented by Governor Francis Nwifuru, who has sponsored over 1,000 graduates to pursue Master's and PhD programmes both locally and abroad.

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Nwebonyi expressed his expectations that the beneficiaries will approach their studies with utmost seriousness, drawing from his own personal experience of not having had access to such opportunities during his time, having not benefited from any scholarship.

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He noted that individuals like himself are now providing support to underprivileged students to prevent them from dropping out of school, which led to an increase in the number of beneficiaries from 500 to 930.

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Nwebonyi urged the students to capitalise on the opportunity by concentrating on their education and avoiding activities that could potentially jeopardise their future, advising them to steer clear of cultism and other social vices.

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He shared his personal experience, stating that he transitioned from the classroom to his reading desk, which ultimately led to his success as a lawyer and a senator, and expressed his hope that the beneficiaries will become better leaders in the future.

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Nwebonyi also encouraged the students to engage constructively with public issues and continue to support efforts aimed at enhancing governance.

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Representing the wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Felicia Nwamkpuma, commended Nwebonyi for his investment in the education and future of young people.

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Nwamkpuma stated that the scholarship scheme demonstrates Nwebonyi's commitment to human capital development and complements the state government's efforts to promote quality education and youth empowerment.

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She urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence placed in them by remaining dedicated to their studies, striving for excellence, and shunning negative behaviour, encouraging them to become responsible citizens who will contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation.