IT was jubilations and a joyous occasion yesterday as 212 students drawn from various institutions of higher learning across the country benefited from the over N12million bursary grant doled out by Hon. Chibunna Akara, the Executive Chairman of Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia state.

Students and their parents who gathered at the council’s headquarters, Akwete were overwhelmingly filled with excitement and could not hide their expressions as they showered praises on the council Chairman saying that it was the first of it’s kind since the creation of the state.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of Ukwa East Local Government Area, Hon. Chibunn Akara expressed “great pleasure and a sense of purpose” in welcoming participants to the event, describing it as “a momentous occasion – the presentation of bursary awards to our deserving students.”

He underscored that the occasion stands as a “total testament to the commitment of our Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to restoring hope, promoting human capital development, and investing in the future of Abia youths.”

He highlighted Governor Otti’s visionary leadership, noting that the administration’s policies have placed education as the cornerstone of progress and have opened opportunities that ensure no child in Abia is left behind due to financial hardship. He commended the Governor for his “tireless efforts in driving positive change” and affirmed that the Chairman’s own administration strongly aligns with this vision.

Hon. Akara reiterated the transformative impact of education, stating, “When we educate a child, we build a family; when we empower a youth, we secure the future.” He described the bursary initiative as “not just an act of charity – it is a deliberate investment in the intellectual capacity and future leadership of our great Local Government and State.”

He reported on several complementary programmes his administration has undertaken:

• Registration of over 150 students for WAEC examinations (both senior and junior).
• Support for more than 30 young females and males in acquiring digital skills, including provision of laptops, accommodation, feeding, and monthly stipends.
• An ongoing programme engaging 50 youths (male and female) from Ukwa East LGA, aimed at equipping them with skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields.

Addressing the students, he urged them to view the bursary as “a call to excellence,” encouraging them to remain diligent, disciplined, and focused. He reminded them that their success reflects not only on themselves but also on their families, Ukwa East, and Abia State, and that the government believes in them and anticipates their emergence as ambassadors of progress and good governance.

The Chairman extended profound gratitude to Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti for his “relentless drive to rebuild Abia on the pillars of transparency, accountability, and people‑centered governance.” He affirmed that “Ukwa East stands solidly with you as partners in this transformative journey,” and pledged continued collaboration to build a brighter future for the state.

Assuring continuity, Hon. Akara declared, “This is just the beginning. My administration is committed to continuing this initiative, and I will ensure that there is continuity in the student bursary programme, even beyond my tenure.”

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Honorable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who lauded the Chairman’s initiative as “a credit to his led administration” and urged students to take their education seriously, because ‘he whom much is given, much is also expected.’

The Labour Party State Chairman, Emmanuel Otti, praised Hon. Akara, nicknaming him “the Alex Otti of Ukwa East,” and commended his substantial investment in both education and the future of Ukwa East students.

The ceremony concluded with a collective call for sustained academic excellence, reinforcing the belief that “the bursary award will continue to inspire academic excellence, and Abia State will continue to shine as the home of peace, progress, and purposeful leadership.”