The Eval of Adadama Kingdom in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State has praised former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, for her sustained commitment to education and grassroots development.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the monarch disclosed that Edu fully paid the school fees of all children in Adadama Ward for the 2024/2025 academic session and has also renewed the commitment for the 2025/2026 session, a move that has significantly boosted school enrolment across the community.
Describing the gesture as “a demonstration of purposeful leadership and compassion,” the Eval revealed that the initiative marks 10 uninterrupted years (2016–2025) of scholarship support, with 29,166 students benefiting from the scheme during the period.
The monarch recalled that Edu first intervened in 2016 after a communal clash between Adadama and neighbouring communities in Ebonyi State disrupted livelihoods and forced many children out of school. Since then, he noted, school dropout rates have dropped sharply, while attendance has nearly doubled as economic pressures on parents eased.
Residents and parents also commended the initiative, stating that many children who had previously abandoned schooling have returned to classrooms with renewed confidence.
Beyond education, the monarch highlighted Edu’s broader contributions, including medical outreaches, youth and women empowerment programmes, and the provision of desks, learning materials, and other educational tools to local schools.
He described Dr. Edu as “a shining symbol of grassroots development and compassion,” as the community concluded the gathering with prayers for her continued strength and service to humanity.
