Over 200 from Ebonyi Central indigents students were on Friday awarded scholarship from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District in the year general elections, Dr. Ugo Magnus.

Performing the ceremony during the Ugo Magnus foundation’s 7th Annual Public Lecture and Scholarship Programme held at Ryan Hotel and Suites, Abakaliki Dr. Magnus reaffirmed his commitment toward expanding access to education describing education as a tool for sustainable development.

He noted that the indigent students were carefully drawn from four local government areas of Ikwo, Ezza South, Ezza North and Ishielu that make up the zone, he added that the initiative was inspired by his desire to build a prosperous Ebonyi through investment in human capital development.

The senatorial candidate further noted that the programme will be sustained for over seven years explaining that it is not politically motivated but driven by his passion for education and youth development.

“The only way to truly empower our community is through education. When you educate people, you equip them to transform their lives, empower others and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

He explained that the current phase of the programme would support 200 students, adding that the beneficiaries would be admitted in batches into partnering institutions.

Although he declined to disclose the exact financial commitment, Ugo disclosed that the programme was worth hundreds of millions of naira, covering tuition and other approved academic charges.

“This initiative is not about politics. It is about love for Ebonyi people and a sincere desire to reduce the number of out-of-school children. We want to raise future leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and public servants who will make Ebonyi proud,” he stated.

Ugo further revealed that more than 500 students across Nigeria had benefited from similar interventions through collaborations with various foundations over the years.

He urged successful Nigerians to invest in people through education, stressing that sustainable community development depends on deliberate investments in human capacity.

“If you lift others, they will lift others too. Let us all become builders of men and women because that is how our communities and our nation can truly grow,” he added.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the ADC in Ebonyi State, Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, commended Ugo for sustaining the scholarship initiative over the years, insisting that the programme predated his senatorial ambition.

She urged members of the public not to view the intervention as an election strategy but developmental projects aimed that expanding education to the indigents ones

“Dr Ugo Magnus has consistently invested in education for seven consecutive years. He believes that an educated child builds an empowered community. This is not a political stunt but a reflection of his long-standing commitment to human capital development,” she said.

Adibe-Nwafor noted that the beneficiaries would receive support covering tuition and other approved academic expenses throughout their studies.

She charged the students to justify the confidence reposed in them by pursuing academic excellence and demonstrating good character.

“This scholarship is not merely a gift; it is a responsibility. Study diligently, uphold good character and remember to extend a helping hand to others when you become successful,” she advised.

The ADC chairman also applauded the management of the Ugo Magnus Foundation and its partner institutions for ensuring what she described as a transparent selection process.

Also speaking, the Founder of South Atlantic University, Uyo, Pastor Bassey James, praised Ugo for demonstrating genuine concern for educational advancement.

He announced the institution’s readiness to partner with the Ugo Magnus Foundation in expanding access to quality education.

“We are proud to partner with Dr. Ugo Magnus because what he is doing is remarkable. Education should prepare young people not only academically but also practically for leadership, entrepreneurship and national development,” James said.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by taking their studies seriously, stressing that the scholarship represented the beginning of greater opportunities.

“The world is changing rapidly. Students must prepare themselves with practical knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship so they can contribute meaningfully to economic growth,” he said.

The event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives, academics, party faithful and community stakeholders from across Ebonyi State.

Among the beneficiaries who spoke with our correspondent were Oluchi Mgbebu and Favour Nwonuchukwu from Ikwo Local Government Area, Abia Ezzinne from Ishielu Local Government Area, and Chibuike from Ezza North, alongside other successful applicants expressed joy for being among those selected through the foundation’s screening process, appreciating their benefactor and promised to make him and parents proud.