By CHARLES IWUOHA

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has called on the newly enrolled indigenous students of the State Scholarship Scheme to serve as exemplary ambassadors of the state.

Nwifuru made this known during the flag-off ceremony of the Ebonyi State 2024/2025 Scholarship Program (foreign and local) held at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke.

In his address, Nwifuru reminded the beneficiaries, particularly those on foreign scholarships, of their dual role as students and representatives of Ebonyi State.

He urged them to be conscious of their words, actions, and achievements, as these reflect the collective identity of the Ebonyi people.

He emphasized the importance of graduating on time and returning to the state to apply their expertise in their fields of specialization.

The governor warned against toeing the paths of some scholars who failed to contribute meaningfully to the state after benefiting from such programs. He encouraged the students to focus on academic excellence, network building, and channeling their skills, innovative ideas and experiences into transforming critical sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and technological sector in Ebonyi State.

Nwifuru also expressed gratitude to key contributors to the success of the scholarship program, including the Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Allen Onyema, the Ebonyi State Ministry of Tertiary Education led by Professor Amari Omaka, and the State Scholarship Board headed by Barrister Chaka Nweze.

He noted that the scholarship initiative aligns with his administration?s ?People?s Charter of Needs? manifesto, aimed at strengthening literacy and human capital development.

Prominent stakeholders, including Ambassador Franklin Ogbuewu, Senator Sylvanus Ngele, Elder Professor Chigozie Ogbu, and the state APC Chairman, Stanley Emegha, lauded Governor Nwifuru for advancing education and human capital development in the state.

They highlighted the program as a continuation of the legacy of the former Governor of the state, Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu towards revamping the bac?wardness of the education sector in the state.

The stakeholders advised the beneficiaries, particularly those traveling overseas, to resist distractions such as luxurious lifestyles and the pursuit of quick wealth.

They urged the students to remain focused and committed to their studies, while offering prayers for their success in all their future endeavours.

Out of the 1,000 beneficiaries of the scholarship program, 204 students were set to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) for master?s and Ph.D. programs, while others are to pursue their academics in local scholarships in various institutions across Nigeria.

This initiative marks a significant step in empowering Ebonyi youth and fostering development through education.