Constituents of Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency have lauded Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, for his dedication to youth empowerment through his scholarship initiative.
During a mock exam for students seeking to benefit from the programme, community members expressed their appreciation, emphasising that education remains the foundation for societal progress and development.
Reacting to the initiative, a community leader from Ohafia, King Jaja, said: “Kudos! This reminds me of my life and Chief Arthur Nzeribe Education Foundation Scholarship in the late 80s. He may have been doing it for politics’ sake, but a poor boy from Abia Ohafia struggling to pay fees at Akanu Ohafia Secondary School would have dropped out. I would have ended up in Aba because it was being strongly recommended for my mum. Maybe I would have been rich by now, but they would have missed me at the Mathematics Department, UNN.
“They would have missed me at CASOR UNN and the organisations I have worked for, both home and abroad. We were three from my school. My senior, Engr Onwunta, got the scholarship for undergraduate studies, and one Madubuko from Nde Uduma Awoke, who was my junior.
“May Chief Nzeribe’s soul continue to rest in peace. Politicians should prioritise human development in their politricks.”
Prince Okorie from Arochukwu LGA emphasised the importance of investing in young people, particularly in light of Nigeria’s security challenges.
“Rep Ibe Okwara Osonwa has shown that he genuinely cares for the youths. Sponsoring students through university is a remarkable step that will have long-term benefits. This is the kind of leadership we need,” he stated.
Mrs. Comfort Agbai from Abiriba community praised the lawmaker’s consistency in supporting youth development.
“We are grateful for the quality representation of Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa. Last year, our youths received training in agribusiness. Some of them got birds and were equipped with the necessary skills for poultry farming. He is doing a lot in terms of empowering our youths by providing them with sustainable tools,” she said.
Mr. Orji Ndukwe, an education advocate from Ohafia, commended the initiative, describing it as a game-changer for students from underprivileged backgrounds.
“Hon. Osonwa is taking concrete steps to ensure that no bright student is left behind due to financial hardship. This scholarship programme will not only change lives but also inspire others to invest in education,” he remarked.
Mrs Nkechi Okoro, from Ihechiowa, expressed her joy, stating that the scholarship would lift huge financial burdens off the shoulders of parents.
“Sending some of these children to the university seemed impossible, but with this scholarship, some of them have a chance of going to the university. I can’t thank Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa enough,” she said emotionally.
Chief Philip Ijoma, from Arochukwu also applauded the initiative, urging other politicians to follow Hon. Osonwa’s example.
“This is what true leadership looks like. Investing in education means investing in the future. If more politicians prioritised human capital development like Hon. Osonwa, our society would be much better off,” he stated.
