The Accountant General of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Uwem Andrew-Essien, has awarded scholarships to 124 students from Atiamkpat community in Onna Local Government Area who are currently enrolled in tertiary institutions across the country.
Presenting cheques to the beneficiaries on Friday in Onna, Andrew-Essien said the scholarship scheme was a personal initiative aimed at giving back to society and supporting education as a tool for sustainable human development.
He described education as a reliable investment, explaining that the programme was designed to encourage young people to remain focused on their academic pursuits despite prevailing economic challenges.
The accountant general noted that the intervention would ease the burden of tuition fees and other academic expenses on parents, adding that financial hardship has forced many talented students to abandon their aspirations.
According to him, the scholarship scheme, which began seven years ago, has already produced graduates with bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees within the community.
Andrew-Essien urged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, hardworking and committed to excellence, stressing that the support was both an opportunity and a responsibility to serve as positive ambassadors of their families and community.
Also speaking at the event, the founder of Only Believe Care Foundation and wife of the accountant general, Mrs Imabong Uwem Andrew-Essien, educated women on healthy living and cancer prevention, emphasising the importance of early detection and self-breast examination.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Ime Utin, advised the students to avoid social vices and remain focused on their studies as a way of justifying the investment in their education.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as life-changing, while pledging to use the opportunity responsibly. A former beneficiary, Miss Abigail Sunday Festus, also commended the consistency of the programme.
In addition to academic support, 25 youths were empowered through an apprenticeship scheme implemented in partnership with Only Believe Care Foundation. The event concluded with an Award of Excellence presented to Mrs Andrew-Essien by the National Association of Atiamkpat Students in recognition of her contributions to the initiative.