One Hundred Graduates of Ogbonnaya Ọnụ Polytechnic Receive One Million Naira Grant

In the fulfilment of Governor Alex Otti’s pledge to create a system that empowers the young people in the State to be part of the development journey, one hundred graduates of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, who graduated with distinction in their various programmes have received ₦1 million each under the Abia State Government’s Graduate Empowerment Grant Scheme.

The beneficiaries are the second set of exceptional graduates from the institution to benefit from the grant since the appointment of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu.

Recall that at the last convocation ceremony held on December 5, 2025, Abia State Governor Alex Otti said the entrepreneurship grant, introduced across tertiary institutions in the state, would provide exceptional graduates with the financial support to establish businesses, create jobs and contribute to Abia’s economic growth.

Before the disbursement of the funds, the institution, in collaboration with the Abia State Government, organised a one-day entrepreneurship and business start-up workshop under the auspices of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti’s Graduate Empowerment Grant Scheme at the ICT Auditorium.

Addressing the participants, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, said the workshop was organised to prepare the beneficiaries for the responsible use of the grant through entrepreneurship and business development.

He urged them to invest the funds in ventures capable of creating value and generating sustainable income.

He also applauded Governor Alex Otti as a divine gift to the people of Abia, saying, “His Excellency is a Think, Talk and Do Governor, an intentional leader indeed.”

The workshop attracted the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Eme Uche Eme, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and other senior government officials.

On her part, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche urged the beneficiaries to invest the grant wisely.

“It’s not for hair or for pride; it’s for innovation and the creation of things that will take you beyond here. If you do well after the next six months, the state government will support you more.”

She also commended the Rector for elevating the institution’s profile and assured him of the ministry’s continued support as Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic advances its relocation to the Osisioma Campus.

As part of the training, the Rector invited the Vice Chairman of the Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre and Co-Founder of Jefapris Resources Nigeria, Engr. Cletus Ekpo, to deliver a lecture on vocational skills and entrepreneurship, while Barr. Vitalis Anopue spoke on the legal procedures for establishing a business, including registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

At the close of the workshop, the beneficiaries received their ₦1 million grants, fulfilling the Abia State Government’s promise to provide outstanding graduates with start-up capital for business development.