By Our Reporter
A group of Nigerian students studying abroad under the aegis of Scholars in Diaspora (SiD) has donated N20 million towards the purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial nomination form for Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong ahead of his re-election bid for Cross River South.
In a statement issued by Effiong Bassey, after a meeting held on Saturday in Coventry, West Midlands, United Kingdom, the group disclosed that it had raised a total of N22.1 million through voluntary contributions. Of this amount, N20 million has been earmarked for the nomination form, while the balance, alongside additional donations still being received, will be invested in educational support for vulnerable children.
Members of SiD, drawn from across the United Kingdom and beyond, are beneficiaries of Senator Ekpenyong’s scholarship initiatives.
The statement described the gesture as a continuation of SiD’s longstanding commitment to education and social impact, noting that the group has consistently supported educational causes, including the distribution of learning materials and assistance with school fees for underprivileged students.
Responding, Senator Ekpenyong expressed gratitude for the gesture, admitting he was deeply moved by the show of appreciation. He noted that although he has always been committed to giving, he had not anticipated such support in return, particularly from students.
The senator reaffirmed his commitment to education, youth development, and continued service to the people of Cross River South.
Converseer reports that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC pegged its Senatorial forms at N20 million, N3 million for expression of interest and N17 million for nomination form respectively
