In a bold reaffirmation of his commitment to education and youth empowerment, the Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, hosted the second edition of the Obi Aguocha Educational Support Program at the Banquet Hall, Umuahia North LGA, Abia State.
The 2025 edition of the scholarship initiative saw a total of 317 students across various educational levels receive financial aid to support their academic pursuits. The beneficiaries included 118 students from higher institutions, 70 from secondary schools, 65 from primary schools, and several others in nursery education.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Aguocha described education as the “greatest investment” in any society. He reflected on the success of the program’s first edition, which supported over 300 students, and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the cause, despite challenges and a lack of appreciation from some quarters.
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“Our goal is to reach up to 2,000 or even 5,000 constituents,” Aguocha stated. “This initiative isn’t just about today—it’s about building the future of Ikwuano and Umuahia.”
The event was graced by top government officials, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders who lauded the lawmaker’s efforts.
Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Austine Meregini, praised Hon. Aguocha’s generosity and called on constituents to continue supporting the initiative with prayers.
Hon. Chinasa Abiola, Member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency, encouraged those who were not selected in this phase to remain hopeful, describing the program as “a good thing happening in Ikwuano” that should be celebrated by all.
Mayor of Umuahia North, Hon. Smart Iheoma, described Aguocha as “a man who goes the extra mile for his people,” and credited Governor Alex Otti for inspiring a new wave of transparent and impactful leadership across the state.
Also lending his voice, former Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Dr. Aham Uko, praised the program’s merit-based selection process, noting that it targeted students from indigent backgrounds without favoritism or bias.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, students including Chimamanda, Asiegbu Joy, Onyemachi Emmanuel, Chibuike Elijah, Chiamaka Iruarusi, and Adiele Precious expressed deep gratitude to Hon. Aguocha for his selfless contribution to their academic journeys.
In a post-event interaction with journalists, Hon. Aguocha emphasized that the project was a collective mission to empower Abia’s youth through education.
“Giving food is temporary, but education empowers people for life,” he said. “This is not a personal project—it’s a collective effort to build a better Abia.”
Other beneficiaries, including Chukwuemeka Chineye Favour, Kingsley Emmanuela, and Chibuike Chimaobi, who spoke to ABN TV, described the support as life-changing and promised to make the most of the opportunity.
The event wrapped up with a vote of thanks delivered by Chief Dr. Sunny Ibeneme, who praised Aguocha’s enduring love for his people and appreciated the residents of Umuahia North for their continued support.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Deputy Speaker Hon. Austine Meregini, Mayor Hon. Smart Iheoma, Hon. Chinasa Abiola, Dr. Aham Uko, and several political and community leaders.
