“The only bridge between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’ in society is education.” Anonymous
The Abasiama Affiong Etuk (AAE) Foundation has approved the sum of N25 million for its scholarship scheme for the 2026/2027 academic session as part of its 2026 Back-to-School Project.
The initiative, held on Saturday, 26th September 2026, provided educational support to pupils and students from primary and secondary schools, with over 50 beneficiaries receiving scholarships and other back-to-school materials.
The AAE Foundation is a non-governmental organization established to provide humanitarian support to the less privileged, particularly through educational grants, healthcare services, business management grants, and skills acquisition programmes for children, youths, and women.
The Founder, Ambassador Dr. Mrs. Judith Mayen Etuk-Ogbara, has continued to demonstrate her commitment to supporting access to education and reducing the financial burden faced by less privileged families.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the programme, Prince Charles Edoho, stated that the AAE Foundation believes that everyone, regardless of age or background, deserves an opportunity to reach their full potential.
He noted that the scholarship scheme is designed to support the educational aspirations of beneficiaries and provide them with access to quality education. He disclosed that the Foundation has so far supported over 1,000 students across various levels of education, from kindergarten to tertiary institutions, in different parts of the country.
He further announced that the Foundation had approved N25 million (Twenty-Five Million Naira) for scholarships to be judiciously disbursed to deserving students for the 2026/2027 academic session.
In his remarks, Lord U.D.U. Etuk, father of the Founder and Grand Patron of the AAE Foundation, gave a brief history of the organization. He explained that the Foundation was established in memory of his late wife, Mrs. Abasiama Affiong Etuk, by her children, led by her first daughter, Dr. Mrs. Judith Mayen Etuk-Ogbara.
He stated that the Foundation is guided by the belief that societal development is a collective responsibility and that government alone cannot meet every need.
He added that the Foundation has, over the years, empowered and supported less privileged individuals through fully funded scholarships and skills development opportunities in areas including Artificial Intelligence, Videography, Catering, Oil and Gas, Photography, Fashion Designing, and other fields.
Lord Etuk encouraged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity provided to them and, in the future, extend similar support to others.
The Proprietress of Dominion School, Mrs. Esther Umoh, commended Dr. Mrs. Judith Mayen Etuk-Ogbara for her commitment to ensuring that less privileged children have access to education. She emphasized the importance of education and urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously while encouraging parents to continue supporting their children.
Also speaking, Comrade Daniel Essien, a farmer, commended the Founder for her humanitarian efforts and praised the transparent selection process through which the beneficiaries were identified.
In their goodwill messages, Chief Assam Usoro appreciated the Foundation for the initiative and encouraged the beneficiaries to justify the opportunity. Similarly, Hon. Imo Ebitu described the gesture as a genuine act of service to humanity.
Other speakers, including representatives of parents and beneficiaries, expressed appreciation for the Foundation’s intervention.
Mrs. Iniobong Bernard and Mrs. Imaobong Ben, parents of beneficiaries, thanked the Foundation for coming to their aid and prayed for continued blessings upon the Founder and her family.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Mmadara Abraham, Victory Akpan, and Victory Bernard expressed their appreciation, noting that the scholarship had provided significant relief and would enable them to continue their education without the immediate burden of school fees.
Dignitaries in attendance included Mr. Akanimo Akpan, Elder Emmanuel Jacob, Mr Michael Ekanem, Obonganwan Lucy Akwa, Lady Emem Nkereuwem, Mr. Augustine Udo, as well as teachers, parents, pupils, and other guests.
