No fewer than 2000 constituents of the Calabar Municipality/Odukpani federal constituency have benefited from the educational intervention program of the lawmaker representing the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lawmaker, Mr Bassey Akiba, disclosed while launching the second phase of his educational support program for students in his constituency in Calabar on Friday.
The member of the Green Chamber stressed that the intervention programme was part of his constituency project.
While also noting an increase in the amount disbursed as constituency fund, Akiba said his priority is to ensure that children of the less privileged pursue their educational dream without any hindrance.
“The constituency funds are not given directly to lawmakers, but it’s an envelope, and we select what the funds can accommodate,” he said.
He further disclosed that the funds will be channeled into three key segments of the constituency in line with his mandate, which are livelihood support, health support, and educational support.
The lawmaker explained that over 2000 of his constituents have benefited from scholarships and other interventions under the educational support component within two years of his mandate.
Akiba also disclosed that 70 percent of the constituency funds for this year’s budget will go into education.
He said that the amount will cover scholarships, construction, renovation, and the provision of learning materials in schools within his constituency.
In a keynote address, the Obonganwan of Nsidung, Mrs Barbara James, welcomed the intervention and investments in education.
She said every child has the right to be educated, and it’s our collective responsibility to ensure that their rights are enforced.
Also speaking, Prof. Stephen Odey, the state Commissioner for Education, said the gesture by the lawmaker will lay a good foundation for future leaders.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Francis Oyije, the Commissioner said education is capital-intensive and the government can not do it all alone.
He called on others to also rally round and support the government to provide quality education in the state.
