For almost ten years, Dr Betta Edu, the former national women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has consistently funded the education of every child in her political ward, Adadama, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, resulting in a total of 23,659 scholarships awarded.
Dr. Edu expressed that offering these scholarships is her way of contributing to her community and helping to educate underprivileged girls in Adadama, particularly those impacted by financial difficulties and the prolonged communal conflicts that have hindered farming and economic activities in the area.
She regards her initiatives as a service to God and emphasises the vital role of education in developing young minds.
Her commitment to providing educational opportunities for all children, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, reflects her belief in education’s transformative potential.
“I benefited from quality education as a girl. I want to see my ward produce many successful, educated individuals who will contribute to development,” Dr Edu stated.
Mrs. Glory Lebo, the mother of one of the scholarship recipients, praised Dr. Edu’s outstanding initiative, highlighting the significant impact that individual acts of kindness can have on society. She offered prayers for her success: “I pray that the voices of the children she has supported for these nine years will be heard by God and that her detractors will soon be humbled.”
“In a world often characterized by hardship and inequality, Dr. Betta Edu exemplifies how one person can effect change through unwavering dedication to serving others. As a community, we continue to pray for and support her despite any challenges she may encounter,” another community member added.
Chief Eval Nelson, whose child also benefits from Dr. Edu’s scholarship, affirmed, “God never fails. We love her, and she is like a daughter to us.”
“She does not pay fees alone, she religiously shares exercise books, school bags and sometimes provide reading tables and chairs as well as classroom seats for students.
He further mentioned that despite facing blackmail and false accusations in 2024, Dr Edu remained committed to paying the school fees for every child each term. Even when it seemed reasonable to excuse her, she insisted that her dedication to these children was not about politics but rather a service to God.
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