Senator Nwebonyi Distributes 2,000 Desks, Textbooks, Writing Materials to Students

In a bid to curb illiteracy and boost learning standards, the senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Barr. Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has distributed 2,000 desks, 6,000 textbooks, and other essential writing materials to schools across the four council areas of his zone.

The flag-off ceremony was held at the Council's Headquarters, 135 Izhiamgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Headquarters, over the weekend. Senator Nwebonyi described the intervention as a necessity, saying it was in line with Governor Francis Nwifuru’s efforts toward strengthening the educational sector in the state. He explained that the 3-in-1 desks, which will serve up to 6,000 pupils, were part of his campaign promises to end the plight of school children forced to sit on the floor or on wood during lessons.

“We know very well that our duty as parliamentarians is to make laws that will bring good governance to our nation. But through proper representation, we can also attract projects that complement the efforts of state and local governments in bringing democracy closer to our people. "Today, we are distributing 2,000 units of 3-in-1 desks, 6,000 textbooks, and other learning materials to primary and secondary schools across Ebonyi North. You cannot compare a child learning on the floor with one seated comfortably in a conducive environment. This is in line with the Governor’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda,” the senator said.

Speaking on rising cases of school dropouts in the country, Nwebonyi recalled the Senate’s recent review of the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) Act, which compels parents to take responsibility for training their wards or face sanctions. Representing Governor Francis Nwifuru at the event, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Ilang, commended Senator Nwebonyi for complementing the government’s educational policies.

He assured that the administration would not relent in its commitment to making Ebonyi a model in the nation’s education sector. Also speaking, the APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, described the gesture as “the greatest form of empowerment,” stressing that investing in knowledge was the surest way of securing the future.

On their parts, the former state Chairman, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, and youth president of Ngboejiogu national Assembly, Mr Onyeoma Kelechi and Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Hon. Ikechukwu Odono commended senator Nwebonyi for the kind gesture and promised to pay him back with higher votes in the next election.

Onyeoma Kelechi who's also proprietor of private school thanked Senator Nwebonyi for inclusive governance stating that Senator Nwebonyi has broken a record by including private schools in his empowerment programme and assured him of their continuous support and prayers. One of the beneficiaries, Miss Owo Chidera of Ukwagba High School, expressed gratitude to the senator, promising to make proper use of the materials provided.

Meanwhile, the event attracted leadership of Izhi Nnodo Youth Forum led by Dr Chibueze Elom among other supporters.