The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, has awarded N12.5 million in education grants to students from Ogbaru Local Government Area to support their academic pursuits and ease financial burdens.
The grants include N10 million for Ogbaru indigenes in tertiary institutions and N2.5 million for those in secondary schools, aimed at covering tuition fees and other essential educational needs.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony themed “Ogbaru Youth Parliament: The Future Is Now, Not Tomorrow,” Udeze explained that the initiative is the third edition of the programme and the second phase of his N10 million education grant. He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused, work hard, and make significant impacts in their chosen fields. He also called on them to support the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, commending the governor’s strides in transforming key sectors of the state, particularly education.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Sir Ikenna Odume, and a member of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Dame Chinyere Mbakwe, praised Udeze for his continuous support for students from Ogbaru. They urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely and dedicate themselves to their studies.
Guest speakers at the event, including former state legislator Ejiofor Egwuatu and entrepreneurs Ifeanyi Ogbaji and Adaobi Onyele, encouraged the youth to believe in their potential and commit to building skills that will secure their future. They also commended Udeze for his consistent support for education and his focus on youth development in Ogbaru.
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to invest in human capital development and support young people in acquiring education and skills that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth.
