The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has awarded a full scholarship to Master Israel Echezona and promised to offset the N23.2m initial fee for his training as a pilot at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.
Echezona, a 17-year-old aspiring pilot who hails from Mgbagbu-Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area in Enugu State emerged as the overall best candidate in the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria entrance examination.
Congratulating the brilliant young man on his academic feat, Governor Mbah advised Echezona to continue in the path of excellence to justify the investment and confidence vested in him by the state.
“The gesture is in line with my administration’s drive to equip the children and youths of the state with the requisite education and skills to excel in life,” Governor Mbah.
“You have made us proud and this is exactly what we want for the youths of our state. We will give you full support going forward. So, the ball is now in your court. Go and make us proud,” Mbah stated.
In his response to the state governor’s benevolence, Master Echezona pledged to make the state proud; he then urged his fellow youths not to lose hope in Nigeria but to work hard to be the best in whatever they do.
“Look up to God, pray, and work hard. Nigeria is our country. Meet your government. The other governors, who are like Governor Peter Mbah, might help you in sponsorship of your education,” Echezona advised.
The beneficiary’s mother Mrs. Ukamaka Echezona was so elated at the prompt response of the state governor to their plight; that she revealed that her family cannot afford the initial fee of N23.2 million requirement.
“I had lost hope, given the money involved. I was surprised at the speed the governor attended to our plea for help as suggested by the former councilor for Mgbagbu-Owa Ward I, Hon. Stephen Okafor,” Ukamaka Echezona said.
“I am filled with joy. When the admission came out, I saw the money, and I said I could not continue because it is not what I can attain. But I was encouraged that this is a rare admission; and that the government could be interested in it. We wrote to our counselor, who took it up. Within one week, we are here and have met and talked with the governor.”
“My prayer for him (Mr. Governor) is that God will give him long life to be able to reap the fruits of his labour,” she said.
Meanwhile, the former Councilor for Mgbagbu-Owa Ward I, Stephen Okafor, who facilitated the meeting with the Governor, said he envisaged that Dr. Peter Mbah would help out given the value the governor places on education.
“I put down a letter to the Government House. The letter did not take time, just a day, His Excellency called us. Today he said he is taking full responsibility for everything. So, he has shown us that Enugu state is our own,” Okafor stated.
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