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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi Commissioner for Special Duties, Valentine Okike, has commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for what he described as a visionary and people-centred scholarship programme that is transforming the educational landscape of the state.
The commissioner spoke following the airlifting of the second batch of Ebonyi indigenes, numbering about 92, to universities in the United Kingdom, on Monday, February 2, 2026, under the state government’s overseas scholarship scheme.
Okike described the development as a further demonstration of Nwifuru’s sincerity, consistency, and commitment to the welfare and future of Ebonyi people, noting that the governor’s words have continued to translate into concrete actions.
He recalled that exactly one year ago, the first batch of about 300 Ebonyi students were sent to top universities in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States to pursue Master’s and Ph.D programmes, fully sponsored by the Ebonyi State Government through the State Scholarship Board.
In addition, he said that over 1,000 Ebonyi indigenes benefitted from similar postgraduate scholarship opportunities in Nigerian universities during the same period, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 1,400 students.
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The commissioner explained that the scholarship initiative is anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs, a policy document that guides Governor Nwifuru’s service delivery to the people, with strong emphasis on education and human capital development.
He noted that the governor believes that good governance, as envisioned in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), goes beyond physical infrastructure to include deliberate investment in people, stressing that empowered citizens ultimately drive sustainable development.
“Governor Nwifuru is not only building infrastructure but also building men and women for posterity. These young scholars will, in the coming years, positively impact Ebonyi State, Nigeria and the global community,” Okike stated.
He further disclosed that despite operating quietly, Governor Nwifuru has been adjudged one of the best-performing governors in the country. He noted that Nwifuru is one of the leading governors in the South-East in sectors such as agriculture, housing, education, health, infrastructure, aviation, diaspora relations, human capital development, security, good governance, and the rule of law.
Okike added that the governor’s humility, simple lifestyle and strong aversion to waste distinguish him among his contemporaries, describing him as a leader deeply committed to service and the long-term prosperity of Ebonyi State.
