The Accountant General of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Uwem Andrew-Essien, has awarded scholarships to 124 students from Atiamkpat community in Onna Local Government Area who are currently pursuing tertiary education in institutions across Nigeria, in what observers describe as a sustained private intervention in human capital development.
The scholarships were formally presented on Friday during a ceremony held in Onna LGA, where beneficiaries received cheques to support their tuition and academic needs. The event attracted students, parents, community leaders and education stakeholders from across the area.
Speaking at the presentation, Pastor Andrew-Essien described the initiative as a personal commitment to giving back to society, stressing that education remains one of the most dependable tools for long-term development. He noted that the programme was not politically driven but rooted in a personal conviction about empowering young people through learning.
“Education is a reliable and sustainable investment in human development,” the Accountant General said. “This scholarship scheme is a personal initiative to give back. It was conceived to motivate indigenes of our community and other young people to embrace education and remain focused on their academic goals despite prevailing economic challenges.”
He explained that the intervention was designed to ease the growing financial burden faced by parents and guardians, particularly in a period marked by rising tuition costs and economic hardship. According to him, many brilliant students risk abandoning their education due to financial constraints, a situation the scholarship seeks to address.
The Accountant General revealed that the vision behind the scholarship scheme began seven years ago and has since produced tangible outcomes within the community. He disclosed that several beneficiaries of the programme had successfully graduated with Bachelor’s, Master’s and even Doctoral (PhD) degrees, demonstrating the long-term impact of consistent educational support.
“This vision started modestly, but today we can point to graduates and professionals who came through this support,” he said. “That is proof that when you invest in education, the returns are generational.”
Pastor Andrew-Essien urged the beneficiaries to see the scholarship not just as financial assistance but as a responsibility to uphold discipline, hard work and excellence. He encouraged them to remain focused on their studies and to become positive representatives of their families and the Atiamkpat community.
“This support is both an opportunity and a responsibility,” he told the students. “You must justify the confidence reposed in you by staying disciplined, hardworking and committed to excellence.”
In a related engagement during the programme, the Founder and Director of Only Believe Care Foundation and wife of the Accountant General, Mrs Imabong Uwem Andrew-Essien, addressed women in the community on healthy living. She warned against lifestyle choices that increase the risk of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Mrs Andrew-Essien also educated participants on self-breast examination, emphasising that early detection remains one of the most effective ways of reducing cancer-related deaths. She described health awareness as a critical complement to educational empowerment.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Ime Utin, commended the Accountant General for his consistency and advised the students to reciprocate the gesture by shunning social vices capable of derailing their futures. He urged them to remain focused on personal development and to take full advantage of the opportunity provided.
Several beneficiaries, speaking on behalf of the group, expressed deep appreciation to Pastor Andrew-Essien, describing the scholarship as life-changing and inspirational. They pledged to make judicious use of the funds and to remain committed to academic excellence.
A past beneficiary, Miss Abigail Sunday Festus, also took the floor to commend the Accountant General for what she described as “unwavering and genuine philanthropy.” She noted that the continuity of the programme had transformed many lives within the community and offered prayers for God’s blessings upon his family.
Beyond academic support, it was disclosed that the empowerment initiative also included skills development, with 25 youths benefiting from an apprenticeship scheme facilitated by the Accountant General in partnership with Only Believe Care Foundation, a non-governmental organisation focused on cancer awareness and prevention.
The event concluded with the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Mrs Imabong Andrew-Essien by the National Association of Atiamkpat Students, in recognition of her contributions to the success of the empowerment and health-awareness programme, rounding off what participants described as a holistic intervention in education, health and youth development.
