By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

Students studying abroad under the Scholars in Diaspora (SiD) group have donated N20 million to purchase the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial nomination form for Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s re-election bid in Cross River South.

The donation, announced in a statement by Effiong Bassey following a meeting in Coventry, West Midlands, United Kingdom,yesterday , comes from N22.1 million raised through voluntary contributions.

The balance, plus ongoing donations, will fund educational support for vulnerable children.

SiD members, drawn from the UK and beyond, are beneficiaries of Ekpenyong’s scholarship programmes.

The group described the gesture as part of its ongoing commitment to education and social impact, including distribution of learning materials and school fee assistance for underprivileged students.

In response, Ekpenyong expressed profound gratitude, saying he was “deeply moved” by the support.

“Although I have always been committed to giving, I had not anticipated such reciprocity, especially from students,” he stated.

The senator reaffirmed his dedication to education, youth empowerment, and service to Cross River South constituents ahead of the 2027 polls.