By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
Former National Women Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the immediate past Commissioner for Health in Cross River State, Dr.Betta Edu has said that the scholarship awards to 23,695 indigent students in her Adadama political ward in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State in one decade was a service to humanity.
Edu made the remarks yesterday in Calabar during a media parley with news men while reflecting on her journey so far.
She stated that in the last nine years, she has steadfastly covered the school fees and cost of books, reading desks and several learning materials distributed to indigent students in her ward to encourage educational development in the political ward in the local government area.
Dr Edu revealed that she views her efforts as a form of service to God, emphasizing the importance of education in shaping the future of young minds.
She explained that her selfless dedication to providing educational opportunities for children, regardless of their economic backgrounds underscores her belief in the transformative power of education.
She said, “I am a beneficiary of quality education even as a girl-child. I need to ensure my ward produces many successful educated people that will drive development.”
Commenting on the issue, one the youth leaders in the political ward, Silas Imori, described Edu as valuable daughter who they cherish so much because of what she stands for when it comes to community and youths development.
He said, “Let me tell you, Edu made so much contributions to the Migrant School, which prevented the government from shutting down the school and helped several children sit for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, SSCE.
“She has cleared the school fee of children for this year, touching the lives of countless families and children.
“That singular act has prevented several children from dropping out from school in the political ward, especially after the protracted boundary crises in the area which prevented farming and other economic activities in the ward.
“Edu’s unwavering commitment to this cause has become a beacon of hope and inspiration, earning her widespread admiration and respect within the community and state.”
Earlier, one of the benefitting students of the Edu scholarship scheme, Glory Lebo lauded Edu’s initiative, describing the scholarship scheme as an act of kindness brought to them, stressing that it has made tremendous impacts to the society.
She said, “I have only one prayer for her, the voices of those children she has kept in school for these nine years will ring in Gods ear, her enemies will bow at her feet soonest.”
One if the leaders of the ward, Chief Eval Nelson told CompassNG, “In a world often marked by adversity and inequality, Dr Betta Edu stands as a shining example of the difference one person can make through a steadfast commitment to serving others, as a community we are not surprised, we would continue to pray and support her irrespective of the challenges she might face.
“God never fails. We love her and she remains our precious daughter.
“In 2024, when she faced blackmail and false propaganda; it didn’t deter her from paying fees for every child every term. Even when we thought we should excuse her, she said her commitment to these children is not politics but service to God.”
