Mbah offers scholarship to 17-year-old aspiring pilot, offsets N23m initial fees

Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, has offered a full scholarship to Echezona Israel, a 17-year-old indigene of the state, to train as a pilot at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna.

Israel was the overall best candidate in the 2024 entrance examination into the NCAT.

Mbah spoke on Monday when he received Israel and his mother at the government house in Enugu, the state capital.

The governor said the gesture was in line with his administration’s mandate to equip students and youths in the state with the skills required for them to excel.

“I congratulate you on your admission. You have made us proud, and this is exactly what we want for the youths of our state. We will give you full support going forward. So, the ball is now in your court. Go and make us proud,” Mbah said.

The governor added that the state government would not only offset the N23.2 million initial fees but would also take responsibility for all other financial obligations until Israel completes the course.

He urged the beneficiary to utilise the opportunity and justify the gesture shown to him by the state.

On his part, Israel assured the governor of his commitment to making the state proud.

“Look up to God, pray, and work hard. Nigeria is our country. Meet your government. The other governors, who are like Governor Peter Mbah, might help you in sponsorship of your education,” he said.

Ukamaka Echezona, Israel’s mother, thanked the governor for the support while noting that the assistance came at a time when it was needed.

“I am filled with joy. When the admission came out, I saw the money, and I said I could not continue because it is not what I can attain,” she said.

“But I was encouraged that this is a rare admission; that the government could be interested in it. We wrote to our councillor, who took it up. Within one week, we are here and have met and talked with the governor.

“I did not know that a government can be this kind and the governor has already proven that even ordinary people can come close to a governor.

“I am overwhelmed, having a handshake with the governor, and he told us he is taking full responsibility for this child as his own.”