By Victor Nwegede
In a notable display of philanthropy and community development, the Stephen and Judith Igwe International Education Foundation has launched its inaugural scholarship and empowerment program, awarding 45 undergraduate students with scholarships and extending mobility and welfare support to widows, youths, and other vulnerable members of Ebonyi communities.
The event took place during the 2025/2026 Igwe Day celebration at Idembia Ishieke in Ebonyi Local Government Area.
Presided over by the foundation’s founder, Hon. Uchenna-Stephen Igwe, the celebration also commemorated his late father, Chief Patrick Igwe (Egbebeleke), highlighted the achievements of Ebonyi State under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and acknowledged the support of the people of Ishieke Mgbomeze and neighboring communities.
In his keynote address, Igwe outlined the unique scope of this year’s program.
“Today marks a shift from traditional welfare distributions to a comprehensive empowerment initiative.
"Through our foundation, we aim to provide mobility solutions, free health services, and scholarships to students pursuing critical disciplines, including Law, Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Science, Engineering, Accounting, Medical Laboratory Science, and Architecture,” he said.
The commissioner emphasized that education is the cornerstone of development.
“The Governor has revitalized Ebonyi’s postgraduate scholarship programs. Our foundation complements these efforts because societal progress cannot rely solely on government but it is a collective endeavor,” Igwe added.
He expressed gratitude to his wife, Judith Igwe, and the foundation’s eleven-member governing board, chaired by Rev. Fr. Peter Omogo, for their transparency, resourcefulness, and commitment in selecting the first set of 45 beneficiaries.
“Together, we have given life to a long-held vision of empowering Ebonyi’s rural youth through education,” he noted.
The 45 beneficiaries, all undergraduate students in 200 level and above, hail from Ebonyi North Senatorial District, including Ohaukwu, Ebonyi, Izzi, and Abakaliki Local Government Areas.
Igwe indicated that this is the first of what will become an annual empowerment program, with plans to reach more students in subsequent years.
In an exclusive interview, he stated, “People have empowered me to empower others. Our goal is to create a new generation of Ebonyians equipped to face the realities of the world. Progress begins with education.”
Beyond scholarships, the foundation extended support to the less privileged, including widows, in-laws, and other community members.
Gifts distributed included motorcycles, tricycles, a top-star truck, wrappers, rice, buckets, and cash donations.
Igwe also presented cameras and vehicles to staff members in recognition of their dedication to public service.
He urged council chairmen and local leaders to maintain peace and order in 2026, stressing that sustainable development cannot thrive in an environment of acrimony and unrest.
The event, chaired by Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, APC Chairman in Ebonyi State, commenced with a Holy Mass and was attended by senior state officials, including Chief Matthias Adum, Principal Secretary to the Governor, among other stakeholders.
Igwe dedicated the foundation’s achievements to God and expressed appreciation to Governor Nwifuru for the opportunity to serve.
“His Excellency has always said, ‘If you receive one thing from me, try to share it with others.’ Today, we are putting that principle into action,” he said.
Through its scholarship, mobility, welfare, and health initiatives, the Stephen and Judith Igwe International Education Foundation has set a precedent for holistic community development, promising to uplift Ebonyi State’s human capital and rural communities for years to come.
