The Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State, Hon. Michael Uche Ogalla, has awarded a scholarship for a Master's degree to Abugu Jude Obinna, a First Class graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Abugu, a 25-year-old Political Science graduate and the best graduating student of his department for the 2022/2023 academic session, is currently undergoing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He received the scholarship during a courtesy visit to the Council Secretariat, led by Hon. Onu Cyril Chinedu, Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman on Diaspora Matters.
The young academic, visibly moved by the gesture, expressed deep appreciation to Hon. Ogalla for personally attending his convocation ceremony, describing the visit and the scholarship as a life-changing encouragement. He praised the Council Chairman as an education-friendly leader whose passion for youth development and academic excellence remains evident in both words and actions.
In response, Hon. Ogalla commended Abugu’s brilliance and perseverance, especially in the face of personal loss and hardship. He described the scholar’s feat as a source of pride for the people of Igbo-Eze North and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting young talents and promoting education across the LGA.
“You have brought honour to our local government. This is our way of saying thank you and encouraging you to aim even higher,” Hon. Ogalla said.
Abugu shared an emotional account of how he lost his mother during his first year at the university, which greatly affected his studies. Despite the emotional toll and academic setback, he persevered and rose to become the best in his class. He said the scholarship was a surprise and a significant boost toward his dream of becoming a university lecturer.
“No other career appeals to me as much as lecturing does. This scholarship is a great motivation and I am truly grateful to my Chairman,” Abugu added.
Also speaking during the visit, Hon. Onu Cyril described the Chairman as a visionary leader dedicated to human capital development and capacity building. He praised Ogalla for empowering the youth, stating:
“You are not just a leader, but a beacon of hope, a father to the fatherless, and a builder of legacies.”
Hon. Onu also highlighted the Chairman’s record of massive infrastructural development across the LGA and reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering support for academic excellence and youth advancement.
The scholarship award to Abugu Jude Obinna is widely seen as a symbol of hope and encouragement to young scholars in Igbo-Eze North, particularly those facing adversity.
