More than 300 indigent students in Tarka and Gboko local government areas of Benue State have received scholarships and other support to help them continue their education amid economic hardship.
The beneficiaries include 104 students in Tarka who received cash assistance at Mbakor Community Secondary School in Wannune, while about 200 students in Gboko benefited from a similar initiative a week earlier.
The scholarship scheme was organised by philanthropist Apostle Agune Terzungwe Emmanuel, who said the intervention was aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and helping children from rural communities remain in school.
Emmanuel, who is seeking election to represent the Tarka/Gboko Federal Constituency under the Social Democratic Party, was represented at the ceremony by his campaign director-general.
The representative said the scholarship initiative should not be viewed as a political gesture, describing it instead as a long-standing commitment by Emmanuel to supporting disadvantaged people.
The intervention comes as families contend with rising living costs and insecurity, which have placed additional pressure on household finances and access to education.
Community leaders, traditional rulers and elders commended the initiative, expressing appreciation for the support provided to the students.
One of the beneficiaries, Terna Uyima, also expressed gratitude for the assistance, which is expected to help students meet some of their educational needs.
Emmanuel said the initiative was driven by a desire to support vulnerable families and improve access to education in the two local government areas.
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