Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced plans to initiate bursary awards and scholarship programs for deserving Abia indigenes studying in various higher institutions across the country, as part of efforts to alleviate their financial challenges.
Governor Otti who made the commitment while addressing members of the Abia Forum; an umbrella organization of Abia indigenes at University of Nigeria Nsukka, assured them that government would activate and constitute members of the state scholarship board by the end of the month.
The Governor while emphasizing the significance of Information Communication Technology (ICT)in the modern world, encouraged them to concentrate on technology.
He disclosed plans to establish Abia as the technology hub of Nigeria adding that the state government would partner with experts in the technology industry in that regard.
He emphasized that Abia, being known as “God’s own state,” must be rescued from past leadership failures and transformed into a source of pride for all Abians noting that his administration is on a mission to rescue the state.
Governor Otti acknowledged the historical significance of Abia indigenes at UNN, with the first person admitted into the foremost Nigerian Institution hailing from Umuahia, and emphasized that Abians have continued to blaze the trail in all endeavors,
He advised Abia students in the Institution to focus on their studies and represent the state well in all their dealings.
In his address earlier,the President of the Abia Forum, Prof. Okechukwu Nwaubani, commended Governor Otti for his administration’s achievements in just four months, noting that the Governor has exhibited hallmarks of inclusive leadership in his bid to rebuild the state.
Prof Nwaubani, noted that the UNN boosts of intellectual talents of Abia origin who are doing well in different fields of endeavor, and expressed their willingness to partner the state government.
The Forum’s President highlighted the challenges being faced including logistics, urging the Governor to prioritize education as a crucial element of human development.
He thanked the Governor for his support to students and appealed for continued efforts, particularly in providing bursary awards to alleviate the financial burden on students.
Prof. Nwaubani used the opportunity to extend an invitation to Governor Otti for the upcoming Abia Day celebration scheduled for October 28, 2023.
