I have sponsored many students ~ Uchendu
By Samuel Onyebuenyi
As part of his contributions to the educational development in Ikwerre ethnic nationality, Chief Andrew Uchendu said he has sponsored about 60 students of the ancient kingdom in various educational capacities.
Hon. Uchendu who is a member, Federal House of Representatives confirmed this last Saturday at Rumuodumaya, Headquarters of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State during the convention and inauguration of a new executive body of the National Union of Ikwerre students (NUIS).
He stressed that the future of Rivers State and Nigeria lies in the hands of youths and should, therefore, be encouraged.
He pledged to provide a vehicle to ease their transportation problem, while advising them to always be of good conduct.
In his speech, the President, National Association of Nigerian students (NANS), Comrade Abdulahi explained that NANS has been in the fore-front of fighting many injustices in Nigeria and charged students to do things in line with democratic principles.
The NANS president advised the Federal Government to sign the agreement it reached with ASUU to avert more problems in education.
He also promised to speak with the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi to pay the students their bursary arrears as a way of encouragement.
Meanwhile, the out-gone president, comrade Obinah Nwondikon thanked the students for the support given to him but noted that the four Ikwerre Local Government Chairmen had not done well in terms of providing enough financial assistance and other logistics to make his administration succeed.
He thanked Chief Hon. Andrew Uchendu, Hon. Prof. L.E.B. Igwe among others for their support for the occasion.
The president-elect Com. Omereji Chinuedu David expressed joy and appreciation to the students for choosing him.
He pointed out that they needed a united and common front to become or remain relevant in the political equation of Rivers State in particular, and Nigeria at large.
He pleaded with the Ikwerre chairmen four to provide the association with an operational vehicle, bursary and partner with them in their various sensitization workshops to the rural communities.
A special assistant to the state governor, Hon. Princewill Dike in a that maintained that the State Governor would pay the students bursary, saying that the delay was due to a verification exercise to that effect.
