May 07, (THEWILL) — Students and parents across Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency have applauded the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon, following the disbursement of over ₦16 million in educational grants to more than 320 students in the second phase of the intervention programme.
The beneficiaries described the initiative as timely support, especially for indigent students struggling with tuition and other academic expenses amid current economic realities.
Speaking during the disbursement ceremony held at the Council Hall in Ibiono Ibom LGA, Hon. Okon reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the educational support programme throughout his tenure in the National Assembly.
“It is one thing to make a promise and another to keep it. I had promised to prioritise students’ welfare during the first phase of this event last year. This will be sustained throughout my tenure as the representative of Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency because I understand the plight of students”, he stated.
The Federal Lawmaker, represented by Comrade Godwin Mbeke, Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the Educational Grant and the Chairman of the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Advisory Committee, urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the grants in pursuit of their academic goals.
He disclosed that similar support initiatives had also been extended to law students from the constituency.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Favour Bassey Ita, a 200-level Software Engineering student of the University of Uyo, expressed excitement over receiving the grant, describing it as the first educational support she had ever received.
According to her, the intervention would go a long way in supporting her academic pursuits.
“I am very happy because this is the first time I am benefiting from this kind of grant. It will help me a lot in my studies”, she said.
Favour also pledged political support for the lawmaker, saying she would be voting for the first time in the 2027 general elections and would support Rt. Hon. Ime Okon for a second term in office.
Several parents at the event equally commended the lawmaker for what they described as a people-oriented initiative targeted at easing the burden on families and encouraging students to remain focused on their education.
The chairman of the occasion and Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Ubong Ukut, represented by the Secretary of the Council, Hon. Imo Okon, praised the federal lawmaker for sustaining impactful programmes in the constituency despite prevailing challenges.
Similarly, the chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, represented by the leader of the legislative council, Hon. Idorenyin Umoh, commended the educational intervention and urged students to utilise the grants judiciously.
Student leaders, including the presidents of Ibiono Ibom and Itu LGAs, Comrade Gregory Akanimo and Comrade Moses Asuquo, also appreciated the lawmaker for prioritising students’ welfare and sustaining the programme.
The event attracted political stakeholders, councillors, supervisors, youths, women groups, elders and supporters from across Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency.
