The Abia State Government has presented ₦1 million business grants to 100 distinction graduates of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, under its Graduate Empowerment Grant Scheme.

The beneficiaries, who emerged with distinction in their various programmes, received the grants as part of the state’s efforts to encourage entrepreneurship and support outstanding academic performance.

Governor Alex Otti had announced the initiative during the institution’s convocation on December 5, 2025, saying the scheme was designed to help exceptional graduates establish businesses, create jobs and contribute to the state’s economic development.

According to the governor, the programme forms part of his administration’s strategy to empower young people to play active roles in Abia’s development, particularly in critical sectors such as road infrastructure, housing, electricity and public water supply.

“The days of letting our best and brightest brains wander off after graduation and begin to struggle in far-off corners of the world without support are gone,” Otti had said.

“The message to students in all our tertiary institutions is clear: do your best, and we shall offer you further material leverage to find genuine success right here in Abia.”

Before the grants were disbursed, the polytechnic, in collaboration with the Abia State Government, organised a one-day entrepreneurship and business start-up workshop for the beneficiaries.

Resource persons from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other entrepreneurship organisations trained the graduates on business development and enterprise management.

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

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

The Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Eme Uche Eme, in her speech, urged the beneficiaries to invest the grant wisely.

According to the Education Commissioner, “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.

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. (The Nation)