To aid teaching and learning in their alma mater, some members of the 2004 graduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana, NASSA-Light 04, have constructed whiteboards in ten classrooms in the school and promised to do more in the nearest future.

Commissioning the school project, the Chairman of Njikoka Local Government, Barrister Chinedu Ononiba, represented by the Supervisory Councillor for Education, Hon. Ifeanyi Okeke, who was joined by his Environment counterpart, Hon. Izuchukwu Ugokwe, prayed God to provide more for the group and that the NASSA students would enjoy the benefit of the gesture he said is worthy of emulation.

He recalled that there was a time they were like the current students, with big dreams that would help the society, and urged the students to aim at success and remember to give back to the society.

Appreciating the group of former students, the Principal of the school, Mr. Joseph Ekwuya, represented by the Vice Principal, Administration, Mrs. Franca Okakpu, the Dean of Studies, Mr. Anthony Adike, and teachers, Mr. Anthony Okafor and Mrs. Nwanneka Chukwumezie, reminded the current students that education is not a scam and urged them to remember their alma mater as the NASSA-Light 04 members did, adding that such visits would help in shaping the future and mindset of the current students.

Earlier, the Chairman of NASSA-Light 04, Chukwunonso Obodo, said that with God’s enablement, more of such gestures would be coming to the school, noting that the whiteboards being commissioned will help in teaching and learning, and urged the students to be inspired to do more for the school in their time.

… scholarship to cover full tuition, accommodation, monthly support stipend per student per year!

The League of Anambra Professionals, LAP, has unveiled an educational programme tagged ‘Future Forward Scholarship Initiative’ in Awka, during which the group empowered thirty-six indigenous students from the three senatorial zones of the state who recently gained university admission, and expressed intent to expand the number of beneficiaries.

Speaking at the event, the President of LAP, Sir Nnamdi Obi, represented by his Deputy, and Chairman of Education Committee of LAP, Dr. Ifeyinwa Jibunoh, explained that the scholarship will cover full tuition, accommodation, monthly support stipend, all amounting to one million naira per student per year, adding that Anambra has always been known for its academic excellence, and that LAP is committed to restoring and strengthening that legacy.

Noting that LAP has been involved in numerous impactful activities over the years, the LAP President described the event as “auspicious, heart-centered educational programme”, adding that the gathering marks the first edition of a transformative initiative designed to lift, support and empower Anambra students to pursue and attain their academic aspirations; regardless of the financial hardship this may place on their families.

To introduce the beneficiaries to financial literacy, prudent independence and responsible financial habits, LAP said in partnership with their anchor bank, Fidelity Bank, all the 36 scholars will open accounts through which their monthly support will be managed to that the students have the comfort and stability they need to excel academically.

Beyond funding, the group said it also has mentorship and mind-shift programme, all aimed at ensuring that LAP graduates global young men and women equipped to engage meaningfully in any sphere of enterprise, locally or internationally.

“To accomplish this, we will offer training and skills development, mentorship from reputable leaders across society, internship opportunities in their chosen fields, exposure to diverse thought, innovation, and enterprise.

This is the LAP promise to our Future Scholars”.

“… today we are planting a seed—one that will grow into a forest of possibility for Anambra’s future. These 36 scholars represent hope, resilience, and the limitless potential of our state. As we take this bold step, we invite all partners, institutions, and well-meaning Ndi Anambra to join hands with us in expanding this vision. Together, we will build a generation that is educated, empowered, globally competitive, and deeply rooted in the values that make Anambra exceptional.

This is our pledge. This is our mission. This is our future”.

Others who spoke at the event, including a guest from Maryland, USA, Dr Mrs Ngozi Achike, and a member of Education Committee of LAP, Kasie Abone, urged the beneficiaries to be exemplary in conduct, and maintain high academic and behavioral standards; knowing that grace met them through LAP, and that eyes are on them.

The beneficiaries, including Chioma Ekwueme, a 100-level Anatomy student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Nnaji Chima, a 100-level Microbiology student at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam promised to make the best use of the opportunity in order to achieve success, and to give back to the society in future.

In his remarks on the essence of scholarship and human capital development, the Anambra State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, represented by Ukpa Ewa, commended LAP’s vision, commitment and investment in the next generation, and expressed strong belief that the scholarship initiative will expand and accommodate more indigent students across Anambra, thereby giving young people a fair and just opportunity to succeed, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

“On behalf of the NUJ Anambra State Council, I commend your vision, your commitment, and your investment in the next generation. We are proud to associate with this noble association”.