Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state has privately donated the sum of N100million scholarship fund to power the education of his people of Oferekpe Agbaja in Izzi local government area of the state.
He made the donation through his charity project, Onwa Oferekpe foundation.
The donation was announced Tuesday by the Governor during his community’s annual socio-cultural event tagged “Oferekpe Day celebration.”
The event was held at the Oferekpe Community primary school, Agbaja village, the school the Governor had his primary education.
Speaking in his local dialect, Governor Nwifuru charged the youths of his village to embrace education, adding that age poses no barrier to academic pursuit.
Nwifuru maintained that education was the order of the day, and beckoned on all Oferekpe sons and daughters engaged in menial jobs and street hawking in major cities across the country to return home and take advantage of the education scholarship to carve a formidable future for themselves.
He stated that his foundation would take care of the University education of academically outstanding youths of his village up till the Masters degree, especially the indigent ones.
Nwifuru who called on all privileged persons in society to help in the educational and general development of their communities, said work has commenced fully at the site of the Information Communication Technology University located in the village.
The Governor further warned his people, especially his family members to abstain from any untoward behaviour, stressing that although he is from Oferekpe, he remained the Governor of the entire state, and would always work and decide for the corporate interest of the state.
He further warned all his political appointees and other public servants in the state against taking orders from his kiths and kin, stressing that the governorship mandate was given to him alone by the people of the state.
In his address, the Chairman, Oferekpe Agbaja Town Union, Elias Nwibo, explained that the celebration which started about 15 years ago, brings together Oferekpe sons and daughters from across Nigeria and in diaspora to brainstorm on ways of adding value to their home.
He added that the celebration also offers them the opportunity of giving succour to their brothers and sisters at home.
Nwibo noted that the celebration started receiving added impetus from the time their son, Nwifuru, became the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, and has continued to advance with greater impact to his present assumption of the governorship seat of the state.
He appreciated the Governor for the numerous values he has added to their community including provision of motorized water boreholes, electricity, youth empowerment, good roads and upgrading of their community primary school, among others.
Nwibo added: “In your few months as governor of this state, you have put smiles on the faces of millions of Ebonyians both at home and in diaspora.
“We are marvelled by your Empowerment; your dividends of democracy and benevolent activities so far are too numerous to be mentioned.
“Bravo, our beloved son.
“We are strongly behind you and we assure you of our unalloyed support.
“You have made us more than proud, keep it up.”
Others who spoke, including senators Onyekachi Nwebonyi and Kenneth Eze representing Ebonyi North and Central senatorial zones respectively, commended the Governor for his leadership strategies and praised the people for their unity.
The event witnessed colourful display of Izzi traditional music and dances, exchange of gifts and lots more.
