The third edition of the annual Asuquo Ekpenyong Education Support Initiative, held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Mary Ekpiken Hall, Channel View Hotel, Calabar, witnessed the disbursement of ₦100 million to 1,000 tertiary students from Cross River South.
Among the recipients were Charles Ntui, an undergraduate from the University of Calabar (Unical) and Abigail Ekpo, a postgraduate student from the University of Cross River State (Unicross), both of whom expressed heartfelt gratitude to Senator Ekpenyong for his impactful support.
Mrs Mary Etim, representing the Market Women Association and attending as a parent of a beneficiary, commended the initiative, calling it a beacon of hope for families struggling to afford quality education. “Senator Ekpenyong has proven to be a true advocate for education, and this initiative will shape the future of many students,” she remarked.
Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua, in his opening remarks, provided an overview of the program, describing it as be an intervention to mitigate the financial constraints faced by students and their families. He emphasized the program’s growing reach and its significance in promoting access to higher education in Cross River South.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, speaking at the event, highlighted the remarkable progress of the initiative since its inception in 2022.
“The Education Support Initiative has grown significantly over the years. In 2022, we supported 200 students, increasing to 400 in 2024. This year, 2025, we are empowering 1,000 students, bringing the total beneficiaries to 1,600 in just three editions. This growth demonstrates our commitment to alleviating the financial burden of education and investing in the future of our youth.”
The initiative, which has now supported 1,600 students, continues to garner widespread praise for its transformative impact with the third edition which saw a significant increase in the disbursed amount per beneficiary, rising from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000, in response to the prevailing economic challenges and rise in the cost of living in the country.
A cross section of selected beneficiaries were invited to witness the ceremony live and they all started receiving credit alerts during the programs which led to spontaneous jubilation.
Beneficiaries and their families expressed deep appreciation to Senator Ekpenyong for his unwavering commitment to education and his vision of uplifting the younger generation in Cross River South.