Diaspora group raises N22m for Ekpeyong nomination form
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Scholars in Diaspora have raised N22.1 million to purchase expression of interest and nomination forms for Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong's re-election bid in the Cross River South Senatorial District.
- The group, comprising beneficiaries of Ekpenyong's scholarship initiatives residing in the UK, voluntarily mobilized the funds as a gesture of gratitude and commitment to his legacy.
- A significant portion of the funds will go towards the nomination form, with remaining contributions earmarked for supporting educational initiatives for vulnerable children.
In a remarkable display of gratitude and commitment, a diaspora group supporting Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has mobilized N22.1 million to fund his expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 general elections. The group, known as "Scholars in Diaspora," consists of individuals from the Cross River South Senatorial District who have benefited from Senator Ekpenyong's scholarship programs and are now based in the United Kingdom.
The senator often says he is a product of quality education, and he made a deliberate decision to extend that opportunity to people like us.
This voluntary mobilization of funds, with contributions still ongoing, highlights the profound impact Senator Ekpenyong's educational initiatives have had on the lives of these scholars. Offiong Bassey from the University of Leicester stated that the gesture is a direct response to the senator's belief in extending educational opportunities, emphasizing their commitment to 'paying it forward' and ensuring others receive similar support.
Today, we are saying thank you not just with words, but with action. We are committed to paying it forward and ensuring that others experience the same support he has shown us.
Alice Oyo Ita of Coventry University echoed these sentiments, describing the initiative as a testament to the senator's investment in their futures and a demonstration of gratitude for his "far-reaching legacy and lasting impact." The scholars see this as more than just a financial contribution; it's a way to continue the senator's commitment to education and youth development by extending support to other vulnerable children in the district.
What we are doing today is a reflection of impact. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has invested in our education, believed in our future, and changed our stories.
The substantial sum raised, with N20 million allocated for the nomination form, reflects the deep appreciation and solidarity of the diaspora community. The remaining funds will be channeled into providing essential learning materials for underprivileged students, further cementing the senator's educational advocacy and the group's commitment to his vision. Senator Ekpenyong himself expressed deep gratitude, reaffirming his dedication to education, youth development, and service to his constituents.
This gesture is our way of expressing gratitude and continuing that legacy by reaching out to others, just as he reached out to us.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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