Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu, Anambra State, presenting ₦100,000 bursary awards to students during his 2025 Ofala celebration, marking 20 years on the throne and a community empowerment event.

The traditional ruler of Ifitedunu in Anambra State, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, has awarded ₦100,000 bursaries to 25 students, alongside wide-ranging educational and social empowerment initiatives unveiled during his 2025 Ofala celebrations.

Igwe Ilouno announced the bursary awards on Tuesday during a triple celebration marking his 2025 Ofala festival, 20 years on the throne, and the celebration of his centenarian mother, who is over 100 years old.

The beneficiaries were drawn from schools within the Ifitedunu community, as part of the monarch’s sustained commitment to educational development.

In addition to the bursaries, the royal father distributed school writing materials to over 500 pupils across community schools.

He also approved ₦25,000 academic support grants for every pupil who maintained first position in their class during the 2024/2025 academic session.

Addressing the students, Igwe Ilouno cautioned them against pursuing ritual money or wealth without labour, urging them to embrace discipline, hard work, and education.

According to him, modern education especially the positive use of the internet and digital skills remains the most reliable path to sustainable wealth, global relevance, and lifelong learning.

The monarch revealed plans to establish a computer and internet learning hall within the palace to help students acquire digital and technological skills.

He added that the community is partnering with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to bring in trainers for computer literacy, internet usage, and web design.

“We are determined to ensure every child of Ifitedunu achieves their ambition the right way—free from ritualism or evil,” Ilouno said.

Speaking to women in the community, the medical doctor-turned-monarch urged them to promote peaceful homes by being respectful to their husbands and serving as positive role models to their children.

Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, praised Igwe Ilouno’s leadership and dedication to community development.

The Obosi monarch also called on residents to continue supporting the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, describing the monarch as a leader with genuine love for his people.

The event also featured:

  • Enrolment of 100 indigent households into the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme
  • Distribution of 5kg bags of rice to 600 women
  • ₦20,000 cash empowerment grants to 50 women to support their businesses

Various age grades, associations, and community groups also paid homage to the monarch during the celebration.