Abia Deputy Speaker Awards Bursaries To 122 Students From Rural Communities

The Ugolee Peoples Foundation, founded by Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini, Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, awarded bursaries to 122 students from underprivileged rural communities across the state.

The bursary program provided much-needed financial support to 36 tertiary students (receiving N100,000 each), 45 secondary students (N20,000 each), and 41 primary school pupils(N20,000 each).

Hon. Meregini, who delivered a heartfelt speech highlighting the foundation’s journey and vision,expressed satisfaction with the foundation’s growth and its unwavering commitment to increasing the number of beneficiaries.

He acknowledged the crucial role of the current administration under Dr. Alex Otti in supporting the foundation’s endeavors. He commended the Governor’s purposeful leadership, the people-oriented manifesto of the Labour Party, and the collaborative spirit within the Abia State House of Assembly, all of which have created a conducive environment for educational initiatives to flourish.

Hon. Meregini particularly lauded the allocation of over 15% of the 2024 budget to education, showcasing the administration’s dedication to prioritizing the sector. He pledged the foundation’s unwavering support for all government initiatives aimed at boosting education and youth empowerment.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajaba, representing Governor Dr. Alex Otti. Pastor Ajaba, lauded Hon. Ugolee’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of underprivileged Abians through education. He challenged the recipients to embrace the opportunity, strive for excellence, and contribute to the betterment of their communities.

The Hon. Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, described Hon. Ugolee as a son of his father (Dr. Alex Otti).
She said he acted like Oprah Winfrey by putting up a candle in his small corner which will move to all areas as time progresses. She charged the recipients to be of good conduct while in school.

Similarly, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, Majority Leader of the state assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Education, commended Hon. Ugolee for aligning his efforts with the Governor’s development agenda for the state. He urged the students to excel in their studies and make their families and the entire state proud.

On behalf of the recipients, Miss Hosanna Samuel Nse, expressed hlgratitude to the Ugolee Peoples Foundation and the state government for the awards, pledging that recipients will utilize the bursary to excel in their studies.