By
Anny MICHAELS
It
is not news that the Distinguished Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East
(Uyo) Senatorial District, Obong Bassey Albert (OBA) is a large hearted
politician. Obviously, they are testimonies of his expression of love to
different people across the State and beyond before now but when he declared on
assumption of office as the people's Senator that N15m will be spent yearly on
130 beneficiaries for his all school expense scholarship scheme to
undergraduates studying in various universities across Nigeria from the
Senatorial District it added more flesh to his goodhearted gestures that has
become his signature and has defined him as a selfless leader and man of
enormous goodwill.
The
Senator said at the time '‘We are going to spend a minimum of fifteen million
naira yearly on the scholarship scheme. We will pay their school fees in
whatever institution of learning around the country, then every semester each
beneficiary will take home N20,000 as pocket money”. He stressed further “This
scholarship scheme is about Uyo Senatorial District of which I represent in the
senate, the examination that brought about the beneficiaries was transparent,
it was open to all, they applied online without the knowledge of committee
members and after their examination their scripts were swapped and marked by
seasoned Lecturers from universities at conference accordingly. I have a
foundation that is managing their academic progress, they must maintain their
CGPA which must not be less than 3.5, so with that mindset they will continue to
work hard at school”.
This
initiative by the Distinguished Senator is quite laudable at this period of
recession where political office holders are looking for every excuse possible
to neglect their impact on the people. As a strong believer in education,
transforming and empowering lives, this gesture by the Senator has assisted
many of his constituents to assess university education to guarantee a greater
and brighter future. This gesture by the Senator has endeared him more to the
youths in particular and elders from the Senatorial District who see him as a
beacon of hope.
Several
constituents have reacted to the Senator’s gesture, one of them is Chief Marcus
Okuku , a community leader and grassroots politician from Ibiono Ibom local
government area “It is a good omen because he is encouraging our young people
to go to school without stress, based on the current economic recession they
are a lot of elected public office holders who are unable to do what he is
doing even in small measure but I pray God to reward the Senator. Let me use
this opportunity to thank the Distinguished Senator for adding value to the
lives of young people through the scholarship programme, we can only ask for
more of God’s favours upon his life and family’’.
The
Senator undoubtedly is building a solid future for his people in the Senatorial
District with a strong educational background. He stands out as a leader who is
passionate about the future of his constituents. For those who are not
fortunate to benefit from the scholarship, the Senator's football tourney
opened another window for more youths to earn good money as they discover
themselves. In December 2015 more than N20m was spent by the Distinguished
Senator for the event which has boosted football in this axis.
To buttress the Senator’s passion for the youths, he has sponsored two bills
geared towards job creation and reducing the level of unemployment in the
country of which the youths are the most affected.
This
is again greatly appreciated by Nigerian youths from a leader who thinks of
them. It is left for the beneficiaries of this scholarship scheme to put in
their best to study to give their future a brighter meaning. This is a proof of
leadership which the Distinguished Senator has provided in Akwa Ibom North East
(Uyo) Senatorial District of which many socio political groups have already
shown via the media. One of them is Iwaad Ata Uyo who recently honoured and
officially inducted the Senator into the group. According to the International
President, Prince Edem Simon Akpan they particularly appreciate the Senator for
his hardwork, sincerity, determination and commitment in the course of his
representation. He called on the Senator to please continue in the good work
and not be distracted. They particularly thanked the Senator for his
scholarship scheme which has helped a lot of youths to realize their dreams.
One
of the significance of Senator Albert’s scholarship is that the beneficiaries
are sure to have their education completely paid for throughout their stay in
the university no matter the years or course of study as there are those
studying medicine, Engineering, pharmacy etc unlike other scholarships you hear
about were beneficiaries get quarter or half of the fees and have to source for
the balance sometimes unable to and will have to forgo their educational
pursuit. Beyond paying completely the fees directly to the university’s
account, the Senator providing every semester school upkeep money to boost
their welfare is a big plus.
This
is unprecedented in scholarship arrangements by politicians from this clime.
To their worthy benefactor, one of the beneficiaries- Henry Okon of the
Department of Pharmacy, University of Uyo (UNIUYO) said ''Senator Albert is a
rare leader for having such a large heart to think of the youths particularly
with regard to their education, it speaks volumes of his person and love for
the people and we can only ask for God’s grace upon his life and family”. Okon
noted that but for Senator Albert’s intervention he is not sure if he would have
had the opportunity of acquiring university education.
This may just be a clarion call for other political office holders to look
inwards no matter how small and see ways to affect the lives of people around
them, this way the people will feel more of the dividends of democracy.
For
Senator Bassey Albert (OBA) his being at the senate is about the people of Uyo
Senatorial District, he naturally has this knack for humanitarian services and
whatever is possible to add value to lives he will not hesitate to as he is
more in politics for service. If in just two years plus in office he has done
this much then the people of Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District are
in for a better deal with a quality, pragmatic, ebullient, brilliant, humane,
articulate, selfless and cerebral representative.
Let
me also add, God bless our Loving Senator, Amen.
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