In a landmark achievement, Hon. Mrs. Emmanuel Ifeoma Grace, Councilor representing Umuogor Ward 12 in Aba North Local Government Area and Deputy Leader of the Aba North Legislative Council, has etched her name in history by sponsoring 30 students from her ward to sit for the 2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations.
This unprecedented gesture marks the first time a councilor in the history of Abia State has undertaken such a large-scale educational sponsorship, committing over two million naira within just one years in office to ensure that no deserving student was left behind.
The 30 beneficiaries, who successfully completed their WAEC exams yesterday, paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Mrs. Grace at the Aba North Local Government Secretariat to express their profound gratitude. In their remarks, the students thanked their benefactor for her life-changing intervention, stating that many of them were at risk of missing out on the examination due to financial hardship. They revealed that their parents and families were overwhelmed with joy and appreciation, noting that Hon. Grace’s timely support brought immense relief and renewed hope to their households.
Following the visit to her office, Hon. Grace led the students on a formal courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Aba North LGA, Hon. Iheke Timothy Iheke (Mayor of Aba North), at the council headquarters in Eziama. There, she officially presented the beneficiaries and acknowledged the chairman’s consistent support for education and youth development.
Hon. Iheke, visibly impressed by the councilor’s commitment, commended her for her visionary leadership and selfless service. In a further show of support, he pledged to cover the first term school fees of all 30 students, provided they secure admission into tertiary institutions located within Aba North LGA, including Abia State Polytechnic The announcement was met with loud cheers and visible excitement among the students.
The students and Hon. Grace were also warmly received by the Deputy Chairman of Aba North LGA, Hon. Christian Chijioke (Deputy Mayor), who praised the initiative as an extraordinary act of generosity and the first of its kind by any councilor in the history of Abia State. He described the sponsorship as a beacon of hope in difficult economic times and a shining example of what leadership at the grassroots can achieve.
Encouraging the students, the Deputy Mayor urged them to remain prayerful, resilient, and focused as they look forward to furthering their education. He emphasized that Hon. Grace’s gesture was not only a rare gift but a powerful investment in their future.
With this historic milestone, Hon. Mrs. Emmanuel Ifeoma Grace has set a new standard for public service, proving that true leadership begins with empowering the next generation through education.
