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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
A humanitarian organisation, Stephen and Judith Igwe International Education Foundation, has awarded scholarships to 45 undergraduates in Ebonyi State.
The 45 beneficiaries, all undergraduate students from 200 level and above, hail from Ebonyi North Senatorial District, including Ohaukwu, Ebonyi, Izzi, and Abakaliki local government areas.
The foundation also extended mobility and welfare support to widows, youths, and other vulnerable members in various communities in the state.
The event was held during the 2025/2026 Igwe Day celebration at Idembia Ishieke, Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state.
The event, presided over by the Founder of the organization, Uchenna-Stephen Igwe, was designed to commemorate his late father, Chief Patrick Igwe (Egbebeleke), celebrate the achievements of Ebonyi State under Governor Francis Nwifuru, and acknowledge the support of the people of Ishieke Mgbomeze and other local communities. Addressing the beneficiaries, Igwe who is the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in the state, explained the unique scope of this year’s celebration.
“Today marks a shift from traditional welfare distributions to a comprehensive empowerment initiative. Through our foundation, we aim to provide mobility solutions, free health services, and scholarships to students pursuing critical disciplines, including Law, Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Science, Engineering, Accounting, Medical Laboratory Science, and Architecture,” he said.
He emphasised that education is the cornerstone of development. “The Governor has revitalized Ebonyi’s postgraduate scholarship programs. Our foundation complements these efforts because societal progress cannot rely solely on government. It is a collective endeavor.
“People have empowered me to empower others. Our goal is to create a new generation of Ebonyians equipped to face the realities of the world. Progress begins with education.”
Beyond scholarships, Igwe extended his philanthropic gestures to the less privileged, including widows, in-laws, and other community members.
He shared gifts including motorcycles, tricycles, a top-star truck, wrappers, rice, buckets, and cash donations to them.
He also personally distributed cameras and vehicles to his staff, rewarding dedication and commitment to public service.
Igwe urged council chairmen and local leaders to maintain peace and order in 2026, emphasizing that sustainable development is unattainable in an environment of acrimony and unrest.
