No fewer than 47 beneficiaries on Monday departed Ebonyi for the United Kingdom on scholarship with Governor Francis Nwifuru describing their sojourn as a bold step towards human capital investment.

Mr Nwifuru said during the beneficiaries’ departure from the Chuba Okadigbo airport, Ezza, that the prosperity of the state depended on deliberate commitment to youth development.

The governor urged the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of the state to achieve the overall aim of the investment.

“This event is not just about boarding a flight but destiny taking flight.

“This is about hope leaving the shores of Ebonyi to soar into the future,” he said.

He noted that the scholarship scheme was one of the most financially demanding interventions of his administration, only next to major infrastructure projects. 

“We faced strong opposition on it at inception due to its economic pressures.

“Several people called for its suspension, arguing that its resources should be channeled towards roads, hospitals construction among other pressing needs. 

“We would however, be mortgaging the future of Ebonyi if we fail to invest in the youths,” he said.

Mr Nwifuru noted that that the programme aligned with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs mantra which places human capital development at the peak of governance.

“This initiative is deeply personal as the beneficiaries are being offered opportunities I and many others never had.

“This venture is aimed at making the path easier for the next generation as every fund spent on it is a collective sacrifice of traders, civil servants, artisans and taxpayers,” he said.

The chairman of the Ebonyi Scholarship Board, Chaka Nweze, said the beneficiaries’ selection process was based strictly on merit.

“We concentrated on first class but due to prevailing developments, considered those with Second Class Upper classification (2:1) CGPA 3.0 and above.

“43 other beneficiaries would travel later as they are still awaiting visa clearance.

‘”The beneficiaries signed a bond to return to Nigeria and serve Ebonyi for five years,” he said.

He noted that the beneficiaries would work at the educational institutions being inaugurated in the state and can pursue personal sojourns after the five years. 

(NAN)