… Approves payment of monthly bursaries
As part of the people -tailored programs and developmental initiatives that marked his First 100 Days in Office; the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon. Amb. Chief Chijioke Ihunwo, on Friday , January 31, 2025 , awarded educational grants to students from the LGA, both indigenes and non-indigenes, demonstrating his commitment towards the academic welfare of Rivers students in line with the Administrative Policy of His Excellency , Gov.Siminalayi Fubara .
By this singular move to support higher education and empower the less privileged, the Council chairman, Ihunwo, once again, demonstrated leadership resilience, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to equipping leaders of tomorrow whom he belived in return would also give back to the society.
The aim of the educational grant; ranging from N250,000 for Masters’ Degree students and N350,000 for Doctorates students, is to assist students both indigenes and non- indigenes in their academic endeavors , aligning with his administration’s educational agenda that prioritizes uplifting the underprivileged members of the society.
The proactive and result -oriented Council Boss, Chijioke Ihunwo, also emphasized that the bursary for undergradautes was also open to non-indigenes who live in the state , ensuring that educational support was not influenced by political or ethnic considerations, while announcing that another phase of the grant would take-off by September, 2025.
Prior to the bursary disbursement, a rigorous examination was conducted on January 11, 2025, by the Standing Chairman of the Screening Committee, Dr. Eziho Promise Ogele, a senior lecturer from the Department of Political Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, who noted the key challenges encountered during the selection process, which included; dfficulty in identifying indigenes and non-indigenes, and issues related to policy design and implementation,
The challenges, notwithstanding , an estimated 90% of successful applicants were present at the Council Quarters for the educational grants presentation ceremony.
During his remarks, the special guest of honour and immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Darlington Orji, Ph.D, applauded Amb Chijioke Ihunwo’s time-tested educational initiative, stating that the bursary would amplify the Rivers State governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s efforts in supporting the academic pursuits of Rivers indigenes and non- indigenes alike. He, however , advised beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to further their education and contribute positively to society.
A highly impressed Hon. Dr. Darlington Orji, who handed over the cheques to the qualified students, ensuring transparency in the disbursement process, was also taken round by Hon. Amb.Chijioke Ihunwo , on a facility tour inspection of two major ongoing projects; the Chairman’s lodge and state of the art administrative block of the local government council.
In addition to supporting students, the Obio/Akpor Council Chairman, Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo also extended financial support to Mr. Vincent Wagbara, a former Chief Press Secretary of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council , in appreciation of his contributions to the development and administrative stability of the Council during his days, even as the council boss donated a life support clutches to enhance his movement.
The disbursement of educational grants to successful master’s degree and doctorate students, including the bursary initiative for undergradautes, underscores the commitment of Chief Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo to educational development in Obio/Akpor LGA, ensuring that both indigenes and non-indigenes received equal opportunities to excel academically.
The colourful event was well attended as 4th Estate Reporters spotted the following dignitaries but not limited to
Hon. Chief Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo
Chairman, Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.
Hon. Mrs. Sophia Amarachi Nkoro, Vice Chairman, Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.
Rt. Hon. Nyeche Jacob Owhonogu
Leader, Obio/Akpor 10th Legislative Council.
Hon. Prince Aruchi C. Amaechi, Ph.D
Secretary, Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.
Hon. Chizi Chuku
Chief of Staff, Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.
Hon.Chief Darlington Orji, Ph.D
Former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Council and pecial Guest of Honour .
Prof. Lawrence Chuku
Rt. Hon. Achor Nna, SA to Rivers State governor on Civil Society Relations,
Arch.Meme Samuel,
Hon. Jonathan Opurum,
Rt. Hon. Kelvin Nwanwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Society Relations.
Hon. Achor Nna, Former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA.
Professor Lawrence Chuku, alongside other distinguished guests , elected Councillors and staff of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.