This post has already been read at least 11126 times!
ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE — The Ugo Magnus Foundation has awarded two-year and four-year tuition scholarships to outstanding students from Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, reaffirming its commitment to promoting access to quality education, leadership development and youth empowerment across Nigeria.
The scholarships were presented during the 7th Annual Ugo Magnus Foundation Public Lecture and Scholarship Award Ceremony, held at Ryan Hotel and Suites, Abakaliki, on Friday, July 24, 2026.
The annual event attracted an array of dignitaries, including government officials, academics, religious leaders, business executives, development partners, youth advocates, students and community stakeholders, who gathered to celebrate academic excellence and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Hosted by media personality Anto Lecky, the event featured goodwill messages, motivational presentations and entertainment designed to encourage scholarship recipients to pursue excellence in their academic and professional journeys.
The beneficiaries were awarded scholarships to study at Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Western Coast Maritime Institute, Badagry, Lagos, and Mbara Ozioma College of Technology, Owerri.
According to the Foundation, the scholarships are intended to remove financial barriers confronting talented students, enabling them to pursue higher education and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The public lecture, themed “Empowering the Next Generation Through Education, Leadership and Innovation,” was delivered by the Managing Director of NEFT Properties, Abuja, Elder Jeremiah Ugota, who challenged young Nigerians to embrace education as a catalyst for personal growth and national transformation.
Ugota urged the beneficiaries and other young people to cultivate leadership qualities, innovation and integrity, stressing that education remains one of the most effective instruments for building prosperous societies.
He encouraged the students to see themselves as future leaders whose knowledge and character would shape the direction of their communities and the nation at large.
Delivering his address, the Founder of the Ugo Magnus Foundation, Ugo Magnus Kel, described education as one of the most enduring investments in human capital, noting that the Foundation’s scholarship programme goes beyond paying school fees.
“Every scholarship we award represents more than financial support; it is an investment in leadership, innovation and the future of our nation. We believe that no talented young person should be denied the opportunity to succeed because of financial limitations. Through education, we are building tomorrow’s leaders today,” he said.
Kel disclosed that the Foundation has, over the past seven years, consistently expanded its interventions through scholarship schemes, mentorship programmes, youth development initiatives and public engagement activities aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge, confidence and opportunities needed to succeed.
He reiterated the Foundation’s resolve to continue investing in education as a strategic tool for reducing inequality and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations.
Among those who delivered goodwill messages were Ambassador Dr. Jerry Amilo, MON, President of the All Africa Students Union; His Excellency Osisiogu Osikenyi Enyinnaya; Professor Chukwumah Ogbaga, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Science at Philomath University, Abuja; renowned educator Maryanne Iwuchukwu, popularly known as Ahneeka, of Bredeemer Schools, Lagos; and celebrated comedian Klint Da Drunk.
The speakers commended the Ugo Magnus Foundation for its sustained investment in education and encouraged the scholarship recipients to remain disciplined, focused and committed to academic excellence.
They advised the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity provided by the Foundation by pursuing their studies with diligence and preparing themselves to become responsible leaders capable of contributing positively to society.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Chibuike Peter Zion Odogwu (Baby Oku), Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Chuby-Zion Nigeria Limited, applauded the organisers for sustaining the initiative over the years.
He expressed appreciation to the distinguished guests, speakers, development partners, sponsors, volunteers and media organisations whose support contributed to the success of the event.
Odogwu also thanked the Ugo Magnus Foundation and the All Africa Students Union for conferring on him a Lifetime Achievement Award, describing the recognition as an encouragement to continue supporting initiatives that promote education and youth development.
In her closing remarks, the Ebonyi State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Jennifer Adibe, urged the scholarship beneficiaries to uphold integrity, strive for academic excellence and serve as worthy ambassadors of the Foundation in their institutions and communities.
She emphasised that education remains a powerful instrument for social mobility and national development, encouraging the students to make productive use of the opportunities placed before them.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by the Ugo Magnus Foundation to sustain and expand its scholarship programme, mentorship initiatives and educational interventions to ensure that more talented young Nigerians, regardless of their financial background, have access to quality education and transformational opportunities.
Over the years, the Foundation has emerged as one of the leading non-governmental organisations championing educational advancement and youth empowerment in Ebonyi State, with its annual public lecture and scholarship ceremony serving as a platform for inspiring excellence, rewarding merit and shaping future leaders.
This post has already been read at least 11126 times!
About the Author
