By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Francis has awarded scholarships to two school children, Nwankwo ThankGod and Igwe Emmanuel from the Ezza North local government area of the state who were hawking during school hours to raise their school fees.
The two boys were seen hawking toothpaste and other consumables in the Abakaliki metropolis during school hours when the Governor saw them.
Nwifuru was on his way to inspect projects alongside the state Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam when he saw the two young boys hawking on the road and stopped to see them.
When the governor asked the two young boys why they were not in school at that time, they told him that their parents were poor and unable to pay their school fees.
According to them, some days they go to school and hawk some days to raise their school fees, buy books, and other requirements for their education.
The governor told the boys that he would personally take up the responsibility for their education and
directed the Commissioner for Works to visit the private school, Frontrunners Academy, Oriuzo, Ezza North LGA, where they are attending and clear their school fees and all their education requirements from SS1 till the end of their O’ level.
Presenting the children's school fees to the Principal of the School on behalf of the boys, the Commissioner said the gesture was in line with the Governor's welfare and humanitarian policy which is anchored on his People's Charter of Needs mantra.
He commended the governor for his continued support to the vulnerable and indigent children who are willing to acquire formal education but handicapped due to lack of funds and support.
"We are here to fulfil the promise made to them by the governor. Last week, while the Governor was inspecting some projects within Abakakili he saw them.
They were selling toothpaste and other consumables. His Excellency interacted with them and asked them why are they hawking at this time, they said they were out of school because they couldn't pay their school fees. We asked them if they wanted to go back to school, and both of them said yes.
"At that point, His Excellency directed me to make sure I send them back to school and that's what am here to do. We give thanks to God and we give thanks to our governor who is always looking out for the well-being of others. It's not a matter of where you come from, so today I'm glad that these children are back to school.
"The money we are giving to them is for their school fees till they graduate and after that, we will still take up again "
Responding, Nwankwo ThankGod and Igwe Emmanuel who were overwhelmed with joy, thanked the governor and Commissioner for Works for the gesture and promised to be better children to make the Governor and their parents proud."
Also speaking, parents of the children who are peasant farmers, thanked the Governor and wife for remembering them and prayed to God to continue to protect them in the service of the state.
