On Saturday, April 19, 2025, students smiled home as the Prince Ukeme Ukpong Mega Foundation disbursed bursaries to 368 undergraduates from Obot Akara Local Government Area. This initiative aimed to bridge the educational gap and provide opportunities for deserving students to access funding for their needs.
The disbursement event, held at Obot Akara Local Government Council Secretariat, Nto Edino, brought together students, public servants, private-sector leaders, and the general public. The immediate past Commissioner for Sports, speaking through his wife, Lady (Dr) Blessing Ebonguko, emphasised the importance of adopting education as a tool for meaningful progress and development.
Also in attendance were Rt. Hon. Simon Dominic Akpan, the Chairman of Obot Akara Local Government Area, and other dignitaries, including members of the executive council and the Obot Akara legislature. The event was also attended by the Honorary Special Adviser to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Housing Development, Hon. Prince Idongesit Ntekpere; Honorary Special Adviser on Boundary Matters, Barr Cosmas Udoette, immediate past Chairman of Obot Akara, Lady Agnes Udoenwewen; Vice Chairman 1 of the Akwa Ibom State's People's Democratic Party, Mr. Esau Augustine; Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Youth Matters, Comrade Ubong Constance, as well as other personal aides to the Governor; Engr. Bassey Ntuen, and a host of other eminent personalities.
The bursaries, valued at Eleven Million One Hundred Thousand Naira (₦11,100,000), supported selected students pursuing various fields of study in Nigerian tertiary institutions. This provision impacted not only the students but also their families and communities.
Student beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support. "This bursary means everything to me," said Blessing Udo. "It will enable me to focus on my studies and achieve my educational goals."
The disbursement event underscores the Foundation's commitment to promoting access to education. Through its chains of financial support, it hopes to eliminate inequality in education.
A heartwarming moment from the event was when the Chancellor of the Foundation, Prince Ukeme Ukpong gave ₦500,000, aside from the bursary amount, to a student who travelled down from Lagos, Nigeria, for the disbursement event. A flight ticket to Lagos was also provided. What followed this uncommon gesture was the presentation of bursaries and fare coverage for benefitting students.
This initiative marked a significant step towards empowering students. It sustained the impact stories of the Foundation for underserved communities.
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