Governor Francis Nwifuru yesterday flagged off the Ebonyi State Scholarship Scheme at Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, Ezza South LGA, saying his target was to award scholarships to 8,000 Ebonyians before bowing out from office.
Nigerian Pilot reports that 204 out of the 300 first batch beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme enrolled to study in the United Kingdom and other foreign countries, departed for their postgraduate studies immediately after the flag of the programme yesterday.
About 700 Ebonyi indigenes have also been shortlisted and mobilized for the scholarship postgraduate studies in any university of their choice in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Governor Nwifuru explained that 'the Hi pact programme' was instituted by the first Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu, which, in his words, has presented an opportunity for Ebonyi people to rewrite their history as it concerns hitherto their educational backwardness.
The governor, said, "This idea, which is a replica of the Hi pact programme, will produce graduates that will man our universities and model Secondary Schools across the State.
"By the special grace of God, before the end of our administration, 8,000 Ebonyi indigenes must have benefitted from the Scheme."
He warned the foreign scholarship students not to toe the path of a separatist, Simon Ekpa, whom he said the state sent to Finland to study and is now instigating a crisis, escalating to the destruction of lives and properties in Southeastern Nigeria.
“I leave you with this, never forget where you came from. I want you to allow the aspiration of our people to inspire you and let the challenges as a State follow your determination to succeed. While there, do not forget that we are counting on you to return to our State as our great leaders.
“The achievements we expect from you are very heavy. The innovations we are expecting are also very heavy. Don’t care to think of disappointing us. We will never take it and we must compel you to deliver. We are not also going to leave you like others.
“Remember our brother that is causing the crisis, that is asking people to kill people in this state, Simon Ekpa; remember he was sent to Finland to study on a scholarship, don’t toe his path. If you do that, we will regret sending you.
“Your returning home will justify the huge amount our state is committing to ensure that you attain this height. For the overall benefit of our people, do not be swayed by the euphoria of luxury overseas.
“This is a project that many people believe was practically impossible. I believe that empowering human beings is more expensive than building an infrastructure structure and is also more productive than an infrastructure place.
“So spending a huge amount of money totalling about N15 billion is worth spending to empower our people. We paid you a living allowance amounting to N1 million per month. So face your studies, remain focused and become great ambassadors of the State,” the governor further stated.
