2027: Senate deputy chief whip awards scholarship to 500 students, offers #100M

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki f

The Senate deputy Chief Whip and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial zones, Onyekachi Nwebonyi on Tuesday released one hundred million naria for the scholarship of five students in the state.

Nwaebonyi who spoke to newsmen during the scholarship award ceremony held at residence in Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State noted that no senator can match his numerous achievements in the state.

The Nations News reports that the benefiticaries were selected from the various communities of Ebonyi North senatorial zones.

It was gathered that the benefiticaries are undergraduates schooling in various tertiary institutions in the country.

He noted that the scholarship costed over ₦100 million and it is personally funded by him, and not connected to any political ambition.

Nwaebonyi emphasized that the scholarship initiative began in 2015, years before he ventured into politics, and has continued to expand annually in line with his vision of making higher education accessible to indigent students across his constituency.

“Today, we have 500 students on scholarship, and we hope to increase the number. Whenever we discover that a particular community has few or no beneficiaries.

“We will identify indigent students from that area and bring them into the programme,” he said.

The senator revealed that the scheme produces more than 100 graduates annually, adding that education remains one of the most effective tools for lifting families out of poverty.

Addressing concerns about the source of funding, Nwabonyi attributed his financial capacity to investments in agriculture, construction, and legal practice.

“I am the biggest yam farmer in Ebonyi State. In ranch farming, I rank among the top. I also own a construction company, while my wife supervises many of the projects. 

“The scholarship fund does not come from government allocations; it comes from me and my wife,” he stated.

Nwabonyi dismissed claims that the scholarship programme was politically motivated, insisting that his commitment to education predates his election to the Senate.

“One of the students I picked up in secondary school is just months away from becoming a medical doctor. This programme is not because I am contesting any election. It started years ago and will continue even after my tenure in the Senate,” he said.

The lawmaker also highlighted several infrastructure projects he has undertaken across Ebonyi North Senatorial District, including roads, bridges, culverts, schools, and other rural development projects.

He claimed that many of the projects were executed using his personal resources due to delays in the release of government funds.

“Whether government funding comes or not, anything I promise my people must be fulfilled. If there are delays, I will finance the projects with proceeds from my farms and businesses because I am in a hurry to deliver development to my people,” he declared.

Describing leadership as “a competition of good works,” Nwabonyi urged public office holders to focus on tangible projects that directly impact the lives of the people.

He emphasized that his ultimate goal is to ensure that every family in Ebonyi North Senatorial District can boast of having at least one graduate, noting that education remains the foundation of economic prosperity and social transformation.

In a bold challenge to his colleagues across the country, the senator maintained that his record of achievements remains unmatched.

“No senator in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has matched the quality and volume of projects I have delivered within three years. If there is anyone who has done more, let them challenge me,” Nwabonyi asserted.

He reaffirmed his commitment to education, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and agricultural support, pledging to continue serving as “an agent of change” for his people and future generations.