SUNDAY March 2, 2025 |TheNewsDESK
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Dennis UDOMA
UYO
No fewer than 50 students from Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas studying in the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State have benefitted from the scholarship grants of Engr. Michael Abakam.
Engr. Abakam, a philanthropist from Ibeno Local Government Area, despite the alleged killings and wanton destruction of properties in his domains recently by Eket and Esit Eket neighbours said, he was moved by the plights of the students studying in the University of Uyo from Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas to assist them financially to continue with their education.
He made the financial support to the students at a ceremony in Uyo recently saying that, for the people to grow above social vices, human development must be considered fundamental as our individual existence.
Abakam, who is also the Principal “I Win, You Win”, was represented at the ceremony by his Director of Contacts and Mobilization, Comrade Joseph Etangkanga saying that, by the presentation of the scholarship grants, he has fulfilled the promises he made to the Eket and Esit Eket students studying in the University of Uyo.
According to Comrade Etangkanga, the payment of semester fees to the students by Engr. Abakam is a demonstration of his commitment to supporting education and the well-being of his people, whether from Esit Eket, Eket or Ibeno Local Government Areas.
The Principal, while presenting the financial aids to the students through his representative, tasked them to utilize the opportunity provided by the donor to focus on their studies and achieve academic excellence.
“This is a personal effort to assist you people to reach the top. Take this gesture as a motivation to work harder and make the donor proud,’ he urged.”
Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Miss Blessing Daniel Nssien, extended their heartfelt gratitude to the donor, Engr. Michael Abakam for his kindness and generosity.
She stated that, “his selfless act of paying their school fees is a huge relief and a significant investment in their education and future”.
Other indigenes of the area who also spoke on Engr. Abakam ‘s gesture include; Mr. Tyler George and Akrasi …. describing the donor as a peace – loving and accommodating Ibeno man, always ready to assist others and supporting Community development.
Akrasi on his part, corroborated Mr. George saying that, the scholarship awards to Eket and Esit Eket students by an Ibeno indigene, despite the attacks against Ibeno by it’s neighbours, is a confirmation that Ibeno and her people are peace – loving people.
According to him, “the humanitarian gesture displayed by Engr. Michael Abakam is also a bridge building mechanism, which Ibeno people are known for their peaceful nature right from time immemorial.
“Having fought so many wars in time past like the King Jaja and Nnana Briget from 1701 – 1706 and 1881 – 1887, had accorded Ibeno people the understanding of the true meaning of peace.
“The Ibeno people fought King Jaja of Opobo in 1881 against his dominance of the palm oil trade in the Delta region, who attempted to monopolize trade and restrict Ibeno people’s direct dealings with the European traders but, Ibeno resisted and that led to the war until he was later exiled in the West Indies by the then British colonial administration in 1887”.
