Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Amasenibo Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, was on Friday, February 20, 2026, inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) during a courtesy visit by its national leadership to the Bonny Council Secretariat.
The honour, conferred by the NANS President, Ladoja Shola, recognizes Pepple’s longstanding contributions to the advancement of education.
From his tenure in the Rivers State House of Assembly to his current administration as Council Chairman, Pepple has championed several student-focused initiatives, including the provision of free JAMB and WAEC forms, bursaries for students, and the construction of a Students’ Secretariat, reportedly the first of its kind among the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.
He was also recognised for his recently launched ₦100 million scholarship scheme designed to support 1,000 students in public tertiary institutions, which further underscored his administration’s commitment to expanding access to higher education.
In his remarks, Comrade Shola commended the enabling national environment for students under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the introduction of the NELFUND student loan scheme, sustained academic calendars over the past two years, and other federal interventions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education sector.
Responding to the recognition, Pepple expressed deep appreciation for the honour, describing it as particularly significant as it marked his first meeting with a NANS President in 23 years.
He stated his administration’s unwavering commitment to student welfare and educational development.
He disclosed ongoing collaborations with NANS, and the construction of an Artificial Intelligence and Information Communication Centre alongside a modern Skill Acquisition Centre.