By Cletus Asuquo
The lawmaker representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, has disbursed ₦100m as educational support to students across the district.
This, Primetime learnt is aimed at boosting access to education and strengthening human capital development.
The disbursement, which took place at Channel View Hotel, Calabar, benefited 1,000 students drawn from the seven local government areas of Cross River South, with each beneficiary receiving ₦100,000.
Speaking at the event, Ekpenyong described the initiative as a deliberate investment in the future of the district, stressing that education remained the most sustainable pathway to economic growth and social stability.
“This educational support is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, implemented through the Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation.
“We have consistently done this over the years, and today marks the fourth edition. Our goal is to ensure that no student drops out of school because of financial hardship.”-The lawmaker said.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, for creating what he described as an enabling environment for people-oriented initiatives, particularly those targeted at young Nigerians.
Ekpenyong noted that his passion for education was deeply personal, attributing his own success to the sacrifices made by his parents to ensure he had quality education.
“I do not take education for granted,” he added. “Where I am today is because my parents invested in my education. That is why I am committed to supporting genuine academic pursuits whenever the opportunity arises.”
The senator announced an additional transport allowance of ₦10,000 for each student, a development that drew cheers from the audience as payment alerts reportedly reflected in beneficiaries’ accounts through Ekondo Microfinance Bank.
Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke at the event, described the initiative as timely and impactful. A student from Biase Local Government Area, Emmanuel Ogban, said the support had helped him remain in school when he was close to dropping out.
Another beneficiary, Asuquo Edet, said the funds would be used to settle tuition fees and purchase academic materials, while Ejor David described the programme as a practical demonstration of responsive leadership.
The event ended with expressions of gratitude from students and community leaders, many of whom commended the lawmaker for sustaining the initiative and prioritising education as a tool for long-term development in Cross River State.
