We're poised to reducing poverty through Education - Festus Uzor

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of Uzor Cares Foundation and former Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Dr. Festus Uzor has said that his foundation is poised to reducing poverty that educational attainment.

Uzor made the remark during the foundation's 2026 bursary presentation ceremony to 137 students from Udi and Ezeagu local government areas by Uzor Cares Foundation, in Enugu, on Monday.

Uzor said that the initiative was a reaffirmation of the foundation's commitment to educational advancement and community-driven development.

He stressed that the foundation was built on the conviction that structured compassion and strategic interventions can change lives, recalling the first edition in 2025 benefited 87 young undergraduates from the areas.

Uzor noted that even though the foundation may not have all the resources, it has the network of friendship and credibility to leverage resources and opportunities to lift the youths.

"Our vision is clear to help reduce poverty to the barest minimum by expanding access to quality education, improving healthcare access, promoting skills acquisition and supporting policies that create real economic opportunities," Uzor said.

He emphasized that education is central to their vision because it remained the most sustainable pathway to social mobility.

In his speech, Governor Peter Mbah commended individuals, groups and corporate organizations that invest in Education of the state youths.

Mbah said that the interests are not essentially about the financial assistance investments individuals or groups make, but about their investments in dreams, unlocking potential, and strengthening the future of Enugu State.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Education Innovation and the Director of Experiential Learning, Enugu Smart Green Schools, Dr. Chinyere Onyeisi, the Governor commended the Foundation for its commitment to education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and policy advocacy. 

Governor Mbah stated that the foundation's work aligns perfectly with the developmental stride of Enugu State, where education is prioritized from foundational to tertiary levels.

"In this administration, education is not merely a sector — it is a strategic turning point. It represents the dividing line between poverty and prosperity, limitation and opportunity, dependency and productivity," Mbah said.

Chairman of the occasion and Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Very Rev. Prof Christian Anieke lauded the bursary awards for coming during the Lenten season.

Anieke said, "I was a student and did not have money to pay my school fees. It's possible for a politician to be a saint. Uzor's sins have been forgiven. This is a good action that every human must recognize and key into. 

"It is important for us to do something good. If somebody has helped you, you are bound to work harder. The award is an inspiration for one to improve on various actions we perform," Anieke stated.