Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has urged beneficiaries of his 2026 scholarship scheme to shun cultism, remain focused on their studies, and avoid using social media to attack political leaders, as he disbursed ₦100 million to 930 indigent undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Speaking during the scholarship award ceremony, the lawmaker, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, said the initiative was designed to prevent brilliant but financially challenged students from dropping out of school due to lack of funds.
He explained that the number of beneficiaries increased from the initial 500 to 930 after additional requests were received, stressing that the scholarship reflects his commitment to supporting education and building future leaders.
According to him, the beneficiaries must make good use of the opportunity by dedicating themselves to their academic pursuits and staying away from criminal activities, especially cultism.
“I expect them to be serious with their studies because, in our own time, I didn’t have this kind of opportunity. I never benefited from any scholarship. Today, people like us are determined to support indigent students so they don’t drop out of school.
That is why we increased the beneficiaries from 500 to 830, and while I was here, another list of over 100 students came in, bringing the total to 930.
“I urge them to make good use of this opportunity and ensure they do not join cult groups. They should move from the classroom to their reading desks.
That was what I did, and today I am a lawyer and a Senator. We hope this opportunity will produce better leaders than us in the future,” he said.
The senator also advised the students against using social media platforms to insult or castigate leaders, urging them instead to support and encourage public office holders to deliver more dividends of democracy.
Nwebonyi noted that the scholarship programme complements the education policies of the Ebonyi State Government under Governor Francis Nwifuru, whom he said has sponsored over 1,000 graduates for Master’s and PhD programmes in Nigeria and abroad.
He maintained that quality representation goes beyond lawmaking, adding that investing in education remains one of the most enduring ways to empower society and reduce poverty.
Representing the wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwamkpuma, described the scholarship scheme as a strategic investment in the future of Ebonyi youths.
She said Senator Nwebonyi’s intervention demonstrates a strong commitment to human capital development and complements the state government’s efforts to expand access to quality education and youth empowerment.
Nwamkpuma congratulated the beneficiaries and charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by excelling academically, maintaining discipline, and avoiding negative influences.
“Let this scholarship inspire you to become responsible citizens who will contribute meaningfully to the development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria. Make the Senator, your families, and the state proud through excellence and good character,” she said.
Lawmaker warns students against cultism, hard drugs, offers scholarship to over 800
