Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has warned youths against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, stressing that no political ambition is worth the blood or life of any young person.
Nwifuru gave the warning on Wednesday in Abakaliki during the grand finale of the 2026 International Youth Week Celebration organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter.
Key Highlights
- Nwifuru urges Ebonyi youths to reject political violence and manipulation.
- Governor warns against the use of social media for propaganda and inflammatory activities.
- NYCN endorses Nwifuru for a second term.
- Youth council seeks mobility support and sustainable funding from the state government.
- Stakeholders call for greater investment in education, skills and entrepreneurship.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Chidi Onyia, the governor described youths as the greatest asset of the state and urged them to prepare for leadership and economic opportunities through education, skills acquisition, discipline, innovation, entrepreneurship and hard work.
Nwifuru urged young people to reject political manipulation, particularly through social media, propaganda and inflammatory activities. He encouraged them to use digital platforms for constructive engagement, education and community development.
The governor also advised youths to move beyond dependence on political patronage by acquiring sustainable skills that would make them relevant in the economy, governance and public service.
He said adequate preparation was essential for young people to take advantage of opportunities when they arise, urging them to remain focused, resilient and committed to personal development.
Earlier, NYCN Ebonyi State Chairman, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, said the celebration provided an opportunity for youths to reflect on their role in the development of the state.
Ochishi said the council’s projects tour of selected government projects informed its decision to endorse Nwifuru for a second term, describing the endorsement as an expression of confidence in continuity and the administration’s development agenda.
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He, however, appealed to the state government to provide the council with official mobility support and sustainable monthly funding to strengthen its activities across the state’s 13 local government areas and 171 wards.
The NYCN chairman also urged Ebonyi youths to reject drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime and political thuggery, and embrace education, innovation, entrepreneurship, peace and responsible citizenship.
Other speakers, including the Commissioner for Works, Stanley Mbam, and other government officials and stakeholders, called for sustained investment in youth development, skills acquisition, education, entrepreneurship and leadership preparation.
The celebration featured awards to individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to youth development and community advancement.
