The Chairman of Igboeze South Local Government Area, Barr. Ugo-Ferdinand Ukwueze, has lauded the wife of the Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, for what he described as transformative education interventions that are lifting thousands of families out of hardship.
Speaking on Thursday at the flag-off of the 2026 Igboeze South Local Government Education Support Initiative, Ukwueze said the First Lady’s sustained investments in education are addressing deep-rooted social inequalities and expanding opportunities for vulnerable children.
“Education remains the most reliable bridge between poverty and opportunity, and Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah has shown uncommon compassion in building that bridge for our children,” he said.
The council chairman noted that through her Custocare Foundation, Mrs. Mbah has positively impacted over 8,000 residents in Igboeze South alone, particularly through the sponsorship of free WAEC and JAMB registrations, payment of school fees, and award of bursaries to indigent students.
“Through deliberate investments in examinations, school fees, and bursaries, she has lifted thousands of families from despair and restored hope to many young people. Her interventions are not symbolic gestures but practical solutions that remove barriers, inspire confidence, and reaffirm our shared belief that no child should be denied education because of circumstances beyond their control,” Ukwueze stated.
He added that by mitigating financial constraints faced by disadvantaged students, the First Lady’s initiatives are strengthening human capital development and empowering young people to pursue their academic aspirations.
Igboeze South Initiative Aligns with State Education Roadmap
Describing the 2026 Igboeze South Education Support Initiative as a landmark intervention, Ukwueze said the programme reflects his administration’s resolve to place education at the centre of sustainable development.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the broader education roadmap of Governor Peter Mbah, which prioritises access, innovation and quality learning across the state.
He also commended the Chief Executive Officer of JRB Solar Investment Ltd., Alhaji Rauf Badamasi, for supporting the programme through the payment of WAEC registration fees for all eligible students in the council, describing the gesture as “visible and quietly impactful.”
Ukwueze further appreciated traditional rulers, clergymen and other stakeholders for their collaboration, noting that their collective efforts have strengthened the reach and credibility of the initiative.
First Lady: Inclusive Education Remains Central
In her remarks, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Barr. Chidimma Egonu, commended the Igboeze South chairman for prioritising education at the grassroots level.
She reiterated that education empowerment, particularly in rural communities, remains a core focus of the present administration, referencing the Smart School initiative and experiential learning model introduced by the state government.
“The pursuit of inclusive education remains central to this administration because knowledge is the foundation of progress.
“Our focus is to ensure that children in rural communities are given the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. Through smart schools, experiential learning, and sustained support, the Governor remains committed to expanding access, improving quality, and preparing our youths for a competitive future,” she said.
