Anambra Councilor Unveils N1.5m Education Grants for 3 Secondary Schools

By Praise Chinecherem

Councillor representing Nnobi Ward II in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anamabra State, Hon Oluchukwu Ilogbenu has launched an education support fund worth N1.5 million for three secondary schools as the community inaugurates new town union executive.

Ilogbenu said the grants were to assist in offsetting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registration fees for forty five Senior Secondary School III students.

The education grants which were part of Hon Ilogbenu’s empowerment projects in his Ward were unveiled at Umuegbu hall, Ngo Nnobi, on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

The event was part of the activities to mark the official handover and swearing in of Hon Ilogbenu who doubles as the is the elected Chairman of Ngo Development Union (NDU) with other officers.

The affected schools include Community Secondary School, Umuagu, Ngo Nnobi; Christ the King Seminary Secondary School, Umuagu, Ngo Nnobi; and Trinity Model Secondary School, Umuegbu, Ngo Nnobi.

Speaking while handing over the N1.5 million cheques to the three schools, Hon Ilogbenu said that the newly elected NDU executive is committed to investing in the development of human capital through education.

He declared that his administration would support programmes that could enhance the skills and knowledge of youths, enabling them to compete and contribute to the development of the community.

“We will be particular about education. We’ll establish a scholarship programme for deserving basic and higher education students, with focus on supporting brilliant students and pupils from low income families.

“These scholarships will cover the tuition, WAEC, and JAMB registration fees for the beneficiaries, “he said.

He further explained that beneficiaries of the pilot programme comprised sixty percent indigenes of Ngo Nnobi, with the remaining slots taken up by the other quarters of Nnobi, including non indegenes.

He said the new executive under him as Chairman took the steps in order to promote Ngo Nnobi-based schools and increase students enrollment.

Earlier during his valedictory address, the outgoing Chairman of NDU, Dr Pat Mbanefo, recounted how his administration was consistently fought by those he said were enemies of Ngo Nnobi progress, and those that did not wish Ngo well.

He said despite the distractions, his leadership was able to achieve milestone in the development of Ngo community.

He explained that part of the things that made his leadership to succeed maximally was their ability to seek advice, and their ability to carry every body and every segment of the community along.

While enumerating some of the achievements of the outgoing leadership to include opening of bank account and drafting of befitting constitution for the union, Dr Mbanefo reminded the new executive that leadership is very tasking and demanding.

He said they should, therefore, seek advice from elders and stakeholders in order not to derail from the right part.

Traditional Prime Minister of Nnobi, Chief Onyechi Ifezue, who spoke on behalf of the traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Nick Obi, praised the outgoing leadership under Dr. Mbanefo for their many achievements.

He described Ngo Nnobi as a very peaceful place known for maintenance of law and order, and advised the new leadership to walk on the path of peace and order in order to succeed.

Mayor of Idemili South LGA, Hon. Amaka Obi, commended the community for its peaceful transition from one leadership to another.

She also praised the newly inaugurated Hon Ilogbenu-led executive for setting a standard by starting their administration with scholarship package, and urged other leaders to emulate same.

President General of NDU, Bar Dom Okpala, hailed the outgoing leadership for working closely with his leadership; while extending hands of fellowship to the new executive for a good working relationship.

In their separate interview, the Kingmaker of Nnobi community, Chief John Ojukwu Molokwu (Isiana Nnobi) expressed joy on the peaceful transition from the former to the new leadership; while also praying for the new leadership to succeed and Chief Akudolu Charles (Nze Nwatadikibie) urged the new executive to solidify on the already built foundation laid by the outgoing leadership, by carrying everybody along on the activities of Ngo Nnobi Development Union, and ensuring that peace prevails in all undertakings of the union at all times.

Other community leaders, who spoke on the occasion include Sir Obi Okpala (Ifedioramma Nnobi); Chief Sunny Nwosu (Ugodinobi); Juliana Amefuna, Chairperson, NDU, Women Wing, also commended the outgoing exco, while advising the new executive on inclusive leadership.

Earlier, the Chairman on the occasion, Chief Peter Ezimo, said that Dr Mbanefo’s administration charted an enviable course in the development of Ngo community in his four years tenure, and urged the new leadership led by Hon Ilogbenu, to ensure that it surpasses the achievement of past leadership.

In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of NDU, Hon Ilogbenu, said that the mission of his leadership is to build a united and prosperous Ngo community, where members feel valued, empowered, and have the opportunity to thrive.

“We recognize the challenges that lie ahead, but we are also filled with hope and optimism about the potential that exists in our community. We believe that by working together, hand in hand, we can achieve remarkable things,” he added.

The Swearing-in cum hand over ceremony was also attended by Hon. Sir Ebuka Igwe Esq KSC JP (Ugosinachi) Member Representing, Idemili South Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly/Chairman Committee on House Services and Special Duties, Speaker of Idemili South Congress of Councilors, Rt Hon. Ernest Ezeunyim, Secretary of Idemili South local government, Hon. Evaristus Ofido, Community youth leader of Nnobi, Amb Chiagozie Akonu, Community women leader of Nnobi, Lady Ifeyinwa Nnekwulugo among others.

The newly inaugurated executive of Ngo Development Union include: Hon. Oluchukwu Ilogbenu, Chairman; Comrade Chukwunonso Enwelum, Secretary General; Hon. Anayo Ejiofor, Treasurer; Rev. Chukwudi Okpala, PRO 3; Sunday Ojukwu, Vice Chairman; Henry Okongwu, 2nd Vice Chairman; Comerade Chimezie Odili, Chief Provost; Uchenna Nwarie, Provost 3; Okeke Obiora, Circular Bearer; Ambassador Ezeimo Udoka, Financial Secretary; Hon. Ewelugo Okwuchukwu, PRO; and Maduka Chukwuma, Assistant Financial Secretary.

The new executive is elected for a 4-year tenure.