The Accountant General of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Uwem Andrew-Essien, has awarded scholarships to 124 students from Atiamkpat community in Onna Local Government Area who are studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Andrew-Essien presented cheques to the beneficiaries during an event held in Onna on Friday, describing the scholarship as a personal effort to give back to society.
He said education remained the most dependable investment in human development and explained that the initiative was designed to encourage young people to remain committed to their studies despite economic challenges.
“Education is a reliable and sustainable investment in human development. This scholarship scheme is a personal initiative to give back. It was conceived to motivate indigenes of our community and other young people to embrace education and remain focused on their academic goals despite prevailing economic challenges,” he said.
The Accountant General noted that the support would help reduce the burden of tuition fees and other school-related expenses faced by parents, adding that financial hardship had cut short the dreams of many intelligent students.
He disclosed that the programme, which started seven years ago, had already produced graduates with Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees within the community.
Andrew-Essien urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously by being disciplined, hardworking and committed to excellence.
“This support is both an opportunity and a responsibility. You must justify the confidence reposed in you and become worthy ambassadors of your families and community,” he said.
In a related activity, the Founder and Director of Only Believe Care Foundation and wife of the Accountant General, Imabong Uwem Andrew-Essien, used the occasion to sensitise women on healthy living.
She warned against lifestyles that expose people to cancer and other diseases and taught participants how to carry out self-breast examinations.
“Early detection remains key to saving lives,” she said.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Hon Ime Utin, advised the students to avoid social vices that could destroy their future.
He urged them to stay focused on their education and personal growth as a way of appreciating the gesture.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Accountant General, describing the scholarship as life-changing and promising to use the support wisely.
A former beneficiary, Abigail Sunday Festus, also praised Andrew-Essien for his consistency and prayed for God’s blessings upon him and his family.
Beyond the scholarships, 25 youths were also empowered under an apprenticeship scheme facilitated by the Accountant General in partnership with Only Believe Care Foundation, a non-governmental organisation focused on cancer awareness and prevention.
The event ended with the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Pastor Imabong Andrew-Essien by the National Association of Atiamkpat Students in recognition of her contributions to the empowerment programme.
