-Precious Ahiakwo-Ovie
A wave of jubilation has swept among students from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) in tertiary institutions as they have begun receiving long-awaited bursary payments after a 17-year drought.
This monumental achievement comes less than a week after Hon. Prince Isaac Umejuru, the newly elected Executive Chairman of ONELGA, announced his administration’s plan to kickstart the payment process.
In a historic move, the first batch of 500 out of 2,000 students are already receiving 50,000 naira each, marking a significant moment not only for the students but also for the entire local government.
This is the first time in 17 years that ONELGA has fulfilled its bursary commitments, a fact that has catapulted Prince Umejuru into the national spotlight as a trailblazer in local governance.
Unprecedented Bursary Initiative: A National Record
Prince Umejuru’s swift action, coming just three weeks after assuming office, has shattered previous records and set a new national benchmark for local government bursaries. By disbursing 50,000 naira per student, Umejuru has made ONELGA the first local government to offer such substantial support to its undergraduates in nearly two decades, establishing a standard that few have reached in Nigeria’s local government history.
For ONELGA students in both state and federal universities, this bursary represents more than just financial assistance—it is a lifeline. Many students had given up hope of ever receiving government support, with the bursary scheme being dormant for 17 years.
However, Prince Issac Umejuru’s leadership has reignited that hope, with thousands of students and their families celebrating this remarkable development.
“A Dream Come True,” Say Beneficiaries
The news of the bursary payments spread quickly, with students taking to social media to express their excitement and gratitude. One recipient, a second-year university student, described the payment as “a dream come true.”
“This bursary will help me pay for my school fees and buy the books I need. We’ve waited so long for this moment, and I’m so grateful to Prince Umejuru for making it happen,” she said.
Parents also joined in the celebrations, with many describing the relief the payment brings in light of the challenging economic conditions currently facing the country.
Prince Umejuru: A New Era of Governance
Speaking about the landmark bursary payment, Prince Umejuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of ONELGA residents, particularly the youth. He noted that education is at the forefront of his priorities and promised to continue supporting students in every way possible.
“Our students are the future of ONELGA, and it is our duty to ensure they are given the tools and resources they need to succeed. This bursary payment is just one part of our larger plan to empower the youth and ensure they can thrive,” Umejuru stated.
A Legacy in the Making
The bursary disbursement is a clear sign of Umejuru’s commitment to delivering on his campaign promises. Having only been in office for a short period, he has already made an indelible mark on the local government, with many praising his proactive approach to governance. His transparency and focus on the well-being of ONELGA residents are reshaping the local government’s trajectory.
As students continue to receive their bursary alerts, there is a growing sense of optimism about what lies ahead under Prince Umejuru’s leadership. Residents are hopeful that this unprecedented action is just the beginning of a series of reforms aimed at addressing long-standing issues in the local government.
A New Dawn for ONELGA
Prince Umejuru’s bold initiative has sent a strong message that ONELGA is entering a new era—one where promises are kept, and the welfare of the people is prioritized. His decisive action has not only relieved the financial burden on thousands of students but also set a precedent for what is possible in local governance.
As ONELGA moves forward, many are confident that this marks the beginning of a brighter, more prosperous future for the local government and its residents.
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