BY GRASSROOT REPORTERS
In a groundbreaking gesture of educational empowerment, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong disbursed ₦100 million to 1,000 tertiary students from Cross River South during the third edition of the Asuquo Ekpenyong Education Support Initiative. The event, held at Mary Ekpiken Hall, Channel View Hotel, Calabar, marked another milestone in the Senator’s mission to alleviate the financial burdens of education for students and their families.
This year's edition, which doubled the amount disbursed per beneficiary to ₦100,000, brought spontaneous jubilation as students began receiving credit alerts during the ceremony. Among the recipients were Charles Ntui from the University of Calabar and Abigail Ekpo, a postgraduate student at the University of Cross River State, who both expressed heartfelt gratitude for the transformative support.
Speaking at the event, Senator Ekpenyong highlighted the exponential growth of the initiative since its inception in 2022, when 200 students were supported. "This year, we are empowering 1,000 students, bringing the total beneficiaries to 1,600 in just three editions. This reflects our unwavering commitment to investing in education and alleviating the financial challenges facing our youth," he stated.
The initiative has garnered widespread praise for its life-changing impact. Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua, in his opening remarks, emphasized its role as a critical intervention for families struggling with the rising cost of living. Parents like Mrs. Mary Etim, who represented the Market Women Association, described it as "a beacon of hope for families striving to secure a brighter future for their children."
As the initiative grows in reach and scale, it continues to shine as a model for impactful grassroots development, setting a benchmark for youth empowerment in Cross River South and beyond.
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