The Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA and Deputy ALGON Chairman, Enugu State, Hon. Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, has officially launched the 2025 Bursary, Tech, and Agro Empowerment Programme, a multidimensional empowerment targeting over 2,000 beneficiaries across the 16 wards of the council.
The empowerment package includes a fully funded 2025 Bursary and Scholarship Scheme, the Emerging Tech Skills for Africa Programme (covering Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Product Design, Cloud Computing and more), JAMB Intervention Reimbursement, Vocational and Skill Acquisition Training at Mario Institute, and Agricultural Training at St. Mary’s Agro Farms, Udi, with a ₦500,000 post-training grant per participant.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ukwueze reaffirmed his commitment to youth development and aligning local governance with the tech-driven vision of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. In his words:
“There is no Igbo-Eze South without you sitting here today. For every effort you see His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah make, it is because he has hope and belief that there can be an Enugu State where sons and daughters of this land will be exposed to world-class education and civilisation; so they can stand tall and compete effectively with their contemporaries all over the world.
You are all gathered here today because we believe in your potential. When you are given a platform like these to grow, we are confident that you will flourish. I am sure that seated among you are future presidents of this country, and great men and women who will make a global impact. Where you are coming from is not as important as where you are going in life. As long as your mind can conceive a big dream, and you believe in yourself, there is no limit to what you can achieve.
We will continue to support you, not just financially, but spiritually and in every way possible. After writing your JAMB, I will be glad to invite you all again to celebrate your excellent results. We will also pay regular visits to the trainees who will be admitted into the Mario Institute to ensure they are doing well and staying on course.
From today, you are no longer just the sons and daughters of your parents; you are now the children of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area. The first batch of beneficiaries is already undergoing training in St. Mary’s Agro Farms, Udi, some of you will also join them soonest. We believe in you more than you believe in yourself; that is why we have brought you here.”
During her speech at the event, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths and Students Affairs, Comr. Prisca Okeke, praised the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South, Hon. Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, for his outstanding commitment to youth empowerment and visionary leadership.
“Whenever you see anyone empower the youths, that person is empowering the whole nation. I want to appreciate the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South – he is an excellent leader. I am overwhelmed by what I saw today; it is the first of its kind in Enugu State.
Every leader has his own vision, but the vision of empowering the youths; empowering the future, is one I strongly believe in. Today, he has empowered thousands of people in Igbo-Eze South for the tasks ahead and better tomorrow.
Thank you for voting him to be your Chairman. This just shows that the future of Igbo-Eze South LGA has only just begun. Like we would say, ‘Our Tomorrow is Here!’
What he has done here today is in line with the vision of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah; empowering people through education, counselling, and holistic support in all ramifications.”
In a special highlight, Mayor Ukwueze announced the award of fully funded Master’s degree scholarships to two distinguished graduates from the LGA: Miss Emeka Abigail Amuche from Ulunya Ovoko, who graduated with First Class Honours in Political Science Education from the University of Calabar (UNICAL), and Mr. Egwuchika Tochukwu Onyeze from Alor-Agu who emerged as the overall best graduating student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka. He graduated from the Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.95, making him the top-performing student across all faculties in the institution.
The landmark event, held at the LG Secretariat in Ibagwa-Aka, drew a diverse and vibrant audience including the Vice Chairman of Igbo-Eze South, Princess Lolo Chinwendu Ogbonna; Supervisory Councillors, which includes the Supervisory Councillor for Education and Social Services, Hon. Asanya Paul; the First Lady of Igbo-Eze South, Barr. Empress Ugo-Ferdinand; members of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council Igbo-Eze South Chapter led by Igwe Barnabas Okechukwu Agbaji; Comr. Prisca Okeke (SA to the Governor on Youths and Student Affairs); the PDP Chairman, Igbo-Eze South, Hon. Ejike Sujday Amedu; Barr. Ferdinand Nnaemeka Ugwuarua (Rangers); President of Nsukka Youth General Assembly, Hon. Clinton Ogbonna; representatives from Enugu State Students General Assembly (ESGA), UNN; the leadership of Mario Institute; clergymen; PGs; traditional rulers; political leaders; heads of institutions; community leaders; parents; teachers; students; and numerous beneficiaries; making it one of the most empowering and inspiring gatherings in recent times in the council.
