…Programme aims to empower the brightest from indigent homes
By Uche Kalu
The spirit of academic empowerment took centre stage on Friday, 5th December, 2025 as the League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) launched its maiden Future Forward Scholarship Programme, awarding N1 million annually to each of 36 students selected from the three senatorial zones of the state.
The event held at the Godwin Ezeemo international Press Centre, Awka with the theme “The Future Is Now,” brought together professionals, journalists, parents, LAP members, stakeholders, and excited beneficiaries, marked what LAP described as a long-term human-capital intervention designed to uplift gifted students whose academic dreams are threatened by financial limitations.
Addressing the audience, President of LAP and Managing Director of Odenigbo FM, Sir Nnamdi Obi, said the initiative was conceived as a deliberate effort to “give every bright child a fair chance,” regardless of family background. He commended the Anambra State Government for its investments in education but stressed that the private sector must complement government efforts.
Sir Obi, represented by the Deputy President of the League and Chairperson of LAP’s Education Committee, Dr. Elizabeth Ifeyinwa Jibunoh, explained that the idea for the scheme was inspired by a visit to MTN Nigeria’s Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, stressing that a single question raised during that visit highlighted the need for a structured support system for indigent students—an idea that has since evolved into the ‘Future Forward Scholarship Programme.’
He noted that though LAP has executed several impactful initiatives in the past, this scholarship represents its strongest commitment yet to sustainable educational empowerment.
The president revealed that more than 300 applications were received statewide, from which 12 outstanding candidates were selected per senatorial zone, emphasising that the scheme is fully funded by LAP, not by government or private sponsors and will scale up as budget capacity increases.
Sir Obi further explained that the N1 million annual package covers tuition, accommodation and monthly stipends. He added that, through a partnership with Fidelity Bank, beneficiaries will also operate personal accounts to strengthen their financial discipline and literacy. “Beyond the funding, the students will participate in a rigorous mentorship and mind-shift programme designed to groom them for leadership, inspire innovative thinking and broaden their global outlook,” he noted.
In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, commended LAP for investing in young people. Represented by his Personal Assistant, Ukpa Ewa, he said the union offered its hall free of charge despite its usual N1.5m–N3m rental rate because the project aligns with NUJ’s commitment to supporting credible, life-changing initiatives. He added that events hosted at the NUJ Secretariat are typically treated as NUJ-backed, which was why journalists were not formally deployed, especially since a union member, Kasie Abone, was already on the organising committee.
Also speaking, Dr. Ngozi Achike, who flew in from Maryland, USA, praised the credibility of the selection process and lamented that despite the wealth in Anambra State, many affluent people ignore the plight of brilliant but disadvantaged students. She urged the beneficiaries to “build confidence, stay curious, develop character and seize the opportunity.”
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Ifeanyi Victor and Chioma Ekwueme, expressed gratitude to LAP, describing the scholarship as a life-changing relief that has reignited their determination to excel. A parent, Mrs. Egbosiuba Chioma, also thanked the League and prayed for continued blessings on its members.
In a vote of thanks, Assistant Publicity Secretary of LAP and a member of the Education Committee, Comrade Kasie Abone, warned beneficiaries against poor performance, misconduct or cult-related activities. She said that LAP will closely track the progress of all beneficiaries to ensure the investment yields future leaders and global ambassadors.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of dummy cheques to the 36 scholars amid loud applause and celebration.
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