No fewer than 124 indigent students from Atiamkpat, Onna LGA in tertiary institutions across Nigeria were presented with cheques in support of their educational pursuit.
Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries at his country home in Atiamkpat, Onna Local Government Area, the Accountant General of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Uwem Andrew-Essien said the initiative was his personal contribution to giving back to society, noting that education remains the most sustainable investment for the future.
The Accountant General explained that the scholarship scheme was also designed to encourage indigenes of his community and other young people to embrace education and remain focused on their academic pursuits despite prevailing economic challenges.
According to him, many talented students are unable to achieve their dreams due to financial constraints, stressing that the support would help ease the burden of school fees and other academic expenses.
He explained that the vision which started 7 years ago has produced, B.Sc, Masters and doctoral degrees ( Ph.D) in his community. He urged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, hardworking and committed to excellence, reminding them that the opportunity was a call to become worthy ambassadors of their families.
The founder and Director, Only Believe Care Foundation and wife of the Accountant General, Pastor (Mrs,) Imabong Uwem Andrew-Essien advised the woman against lifestyle that could trigger cancer. She demonstrated to the women how to carry out self breast examination, maintaining that early detection saves lives.
The chairman on the occasion, Hon Ime Utin, admonished the students to reciprocate the kind gesture of the Accountant General by shunning vices capable of truncating their future.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the students expressed gratitude to the Accountant General for the empowerment, describing the gesture as inspiring and life-changing and pledged that they would make the best use of the opportunity given them.
Miss Abigail Sunday Festus, past beneficiary of the empowerment programme, spoke glowingly of the Accountant General’s philanthropy and prayed God’s blessings on him and his family. Aside the academic empowerment, 25 youths were empowered under the apprenticeship scheme of the Accountant General.
The empowerment is in partnership with Only Believe Care Foundation, a non government organisation that is at the fore front in the fight against cancer. The event also featured the presentation of award of excellence to Pastor Imaobong Andrew-Essien, wife of the Accountant General, from National Association of Atiamkpat students for her supportive roles to the husband.
