By Tony Adibe
The Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu Community in Anambra, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, has given bursary awards of N100,000 to 25 students drawn from schools within his community.
Ilouno announced the awards to the beneficiaries on Tuesday during a triple celebration event, which included his 2025 ‘Ofala’, 20 years on the throne, and the celebration of his mother, who is over 100 years old.
The royal father also distributed school writing materials to over 500 pupils and gave academic support of N25,000 to every pupil who maintained first position in class this 2024/25 academic season in schools within his community.
Admonishing the students during the presentation of the awards, Ilouno urged them to shun ritual money or wealth without labour (work), but be totally focused on their studies and put in hard work towards it.
He noted that modern education based on positive use of the internet knowledge remained the major way to create lasting wealth, further one’s course of learning, and connect with one’s contemporary world over.
He said, “As a community, we are supporting you all the way and planning that every child of Ifitedunu attains his future ambition in the right way, devoid of engaging in any money ritualism or evil.
“We are already developing a computer/internet hall at the palace, where you can freely learn and sharpen your computer/internet usage and other modern technology packages, leading to your fast advancement in your chosen field of study.
“As a community, we are partnering with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to get computer/internet/web design trainers to assist your learning and ensure you compete with your peers from anywhere in the world.”
For the women, Ilouno, who is a medical doctor, urged them to maintain peaceful homes by being respectful to their husbands and being good role models for their children.
Speaking, the Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, called on all residents of the state to continue to support initiatives and programmes of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
Iweka, who is the Traditional Ruler of Obosi community and a special guest at the event, said, “Igwe Ilouno is doing exceptionally well and a leader with great love for his people.
“I call on the industrious people and residents of the community to continue to rally behind and support Gov. Soludo and Igwe Ilouno in their drive to improve humanity at various levels.”
The event, which featured payment of homage of various age grades, groups, and associations to Ilouno, also witnessed the enrolment of 100 indigent households within the community into Anambra State Health Insurance Coverage.
It also witnessed the distribution of 5kg bag of rice to 600 women and N20,000 cash given to 50 women of the community as empowerment for their businesses.
