By Akuma Chijiuka Fortune

In the past two days, social media has been flooded with various stories and narratives about the Ebonyi State Special Overseas Scholarship Programme for Ebonyians. While some of these accounts are true, many others are outright falsehoods and sponsored propaganda aimed at discrediting the efforts of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Bldr.) Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Governor of Ebonyi State.

First and foremost, on behalf of my fellow Ikwo students who are part of Cohort 1 of this scholarship programme, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Bldr.) Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the first indigenous Governor of Ebonyi State. I emphasize “indigenous” because you have truly demonstrated an understanding of the unique needs of the Ebonyi people. Your meticulous adherence to the priorities outlined in your working document (manifesto) is evident as you implement them, balancing strategic goals with addressing emerging issues to ensure the comfort and progress of Ebonyians.

However, to clear any doubts and address the misinformation being peddled by Mr Nwoba Chika Nwoba and his cohort, who have resorted to lies and baseless propaganda about the Governor and the scholarship programme, I feel obligated to set the record straight as someone who has been part of this process from its inception to this point.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐢 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞:
The Ebonyi State Overseas Scholarship Programme had been in a comma for over 10 years. In fact, the board had been dissolved, and access to such opportunities was effectively shut down for Ebonyi people. It was Governor Nwifuru who revived the programme, breathing life back into it and reopening doors for deserving students.

𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬:
A total of 204 students were selected for the scholarship. The selection process was strictly based on the research interests of the state and individual merit. It is important to note that even the Governor himself did not interfere by selecting “special candidates,” nor were political stakeholders involved in influencing the process.

𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞::
The total cost of the scholarship per student is £23,690 (₦47.9 million). This covers tuition fees, accommodation, living allowances, and other necessary expenses for the students.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬:
Transportation costs are handled separately by the Ebonyi State Government. His Excellency personally ensured that all students were airlifted with dignity and care.

𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:
The Governor paid for a chartered Air Peace flight to airlift students from Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, to Lagos. From Lagos to Gatwick Airport in London, business class tickets were provided for each student, along with provisions for extra luggage.

The average cost of an Air Peace business class ticket from Lagos to London is £1,502, totaling approximately £306,408 (₦643,456,800) for the 204 students.
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥:
The slight delay in airlifting all students arose because Air Peace, while accommodating other passengers, opted to transport the students in batches due to the class of tickets purchased. The Governor had the option to downgrade the tickets to economy class, but he chose not to compromise the comfort of the students. This shows his unwavering commitment to their well-being.

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬:
The Governor is already making arrangements, through the Scholarship Board, for the doctorate degree programmes of the students once they successfully complete their master’s programmes.

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
His Excellency has also approved automatic employment for all scholarship beneficiaries upon successful completion of their programmes and return to Nigeria.

𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦
While it is true that there were minor communication gaps during the process, the Scholarship Board, under the leadership of Chief Chaka Nweze, has done a commendable job. Despite having no prior framework, they have learned on the job and delivered outstanding results. On a scale of 1–10, I would score their efforts an 8.

We also extend our prayers and well-wishes to Chief Chaka Nweze for a quick recovery.

To the 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚” led by Mr. Nwoba Chika Nwoba, whose activities seem to be centered on spreading lies, attacking promising young leaders, and undermining developmental strides: it is time to repent. Just as you have repeatedly attacked Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, accusing him of securing fake federal jobs for Ebonyi citizens, you have now turned your attention to this noble scholarship project initiated by Governor Nwifuru.

Your claims that the scholarship programme is fake are baseless, especially when evidence abounds to prove otherwise. You should know that Governor Nwifuru is not just raising scholars but building an army of intellectuals who will contribute to the transformation of Ebonyi State. This is not business as usual.

I strongly advise you and your delusional followers to retract your steps, caution yourselves, and align with the path of truth and progress. Spreading falsehoods about the Governor and his genuine efforts only highlights the pettiness of your agenda.

The Ebonyi State Special Overseas Scholarship Programme is a testament to Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to human capital development. To His Excellency, I say thank you for your visionary leadership and fatherly love for the people of Ebonyi State.

Warm regards,
Akuma Chijiuka Fortune
Manchester, United Kingdom