Approves payment of monthly bursaries
As part of the people -tailored programmes and developmental initiatives that marked his first 100 days in office, Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Council, Rivers State, Chief Chijioke Ihunwo, has awarded educational grants to students from the LGA, both indigene and non-indigene.
By this singular move to support higher education and empower the less privileged, the Council chairman, once again, demonstrated leadership resilience, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to equipping future leaders.
The aim of the educational grant; ranging from N250,000 for Masters’ students and N350,000 for doctorate students, is to assist them in their academic endeavours, aligning with his administration’s educational agenda that prioritises uplifting the underprivileged members of the society.
Ihunwo also emphasized that the bursary for undergraduates was also open to indigenes who live in the state, ensuring that educational support was not influenced by political or ethnic considerations, while announcing that another phase of the grant would take-off by September, 2025.
Prior to the bursary disbursement, a rigourous examination was conducted on January 11, 2025, by the Standing Chairman of the Screening Committee, Dr. Eziho Promise Ogele, a senior lecturer from the Department of Political Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, who noted that the key challenges encountered during the selection process, include difficulty in identifying indigenes and non-indigenes, and issues related to policy design and implementation.
The challenges, notwithstanding , an estimated 90 per cent of successful applicants were present at the council quarters for the educational grants presentation ceremony.
During his remarks, the special guest of honour and immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ikwerre Council, Chief Darlington Orji, applauded Ihunwo’s time-tested educational initiative, stating that the bursary would amplify the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s efforts in supporting the academic pursuits of Rivers indigenes and non- indigenes alike.
He, however, advised the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to further their education and contribute positively to society.
A highly impressed Dr. Darlington Orji, who handed over the cheques to the qualified students, ensuring transparency in the disbursement process, was also taken round Amb.Chijioke Ihunwo on a facility tour inspection of two major ongoing projects: the Chairman’s lodge and state of the art administrative block of the local government council.
In addition to supporting students, the chairman also extended financial support to Mr. Vincent Wagbara, a former Chief Press Secretary of Obio/Akpor Council, in appreciation of his contributions to the development and administrative stability of the Council during his days, even as the council boss donated a life support clutches to enhance his movement.
Other dignitaries at the event include Mrs. Sophia Amarachi Nkoro, Vice Chairman, Obio/Akpor Council, Nyeche Jacob OwhonoguLeader, Obio/Akpor 10th Legislative Council, Prince Aruchi C. Amaechi, Secretary, Obio/Akpor Council, Chizi Chuku Chief of Staff, Obio/Akpor Council, Chief Darlington Orji, former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ikwerre Council and special guest of honour, Prof. Lawrence Chuku, and Achor Nna, Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Civil Society Relations.
Others are Arch.Meme Samuel, Jonathan Opurum, Kelvin Nwanwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Society Relations, Achor Nna, former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor council, Professor Lawrence Chuku, alongside other distinguished guests, elected Councillors and staff of Obio/Akpor Council.
