The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has hailed Governor Francis Nwifuru’s award of overseas scholarship to 204 promising youths from Ebonyi State to study in the United Kingdom.
Ohanaeze said Gov. Nwifuru’s exemplary leadership not only underscores a resolute commitment to youth empowerment, but also serves as a beacon of hope amidst the turbulent waves of insecurity plaguing the South-East.
It stated that even though the South-East is grappling with an alarming rate of violence, political thuggery, and youth restiveness, Gov. Nwaifuru’s visionary prioritization of education over the seductive allure of militant engagement stands as a beacon of both courage and sagacity.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Deputy President–General of Ohanaeze, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the body noted that equipping the young minds with knowledge and skills through scholarship initiatives represents a far superior investment than arming them with weapons.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo ardently resonates with the sentiment that transformative youth development initiatives are indispensable for laying the groundwork for a secure, and prosperous future.
“Nevertheless, it is profoundly disheartening to observe the contrasting inaction of other governors within the South-East geopolitical zone, particularly in Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo States, where frameworks for comprehensive youth empowerment remain disappointingly elusive.
“These states stand in dire need of inclusive governance, international scholarship opportunities, agricultural training programmes, access to soft loans for small and medium enterprises, as well as effective amnesty initiatives to quell the rising tide of agitation among our youths.
“Consequently, it is with a spirit of constructive and critical engagement that Ohanaeze Ndigbo directs its urgent appeal to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.
“We implore him to effectuate the commitments he made during the political rally of September 2023, wherein he pledged to secure overseas employment opportunities for 4, 000 industrious Imo youths across Europe, Canada, and the United States.
“Now, a grueling 16 months have elapsed since that promise was made, and the unsettling silence surrounding its fulfillment has left the youths of Imo State feeling increasingly disenfranchised and skeptical, regarding the government’s genuine dedication to their future.
“In our quest for accountability, Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands resolute in its commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders and allies to underscore the urgency surrounding the fulfillment of Governor Uzodinma’s promises.
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“We envision an assertive approach, one wherein vigorous negotiations with reputable firms in Europe and Canada are paramount, thereby creating sustainable employment pathways for the invaluable youth of Imo State.
“The moment has arrived to draw a definitive line in the sand. The era of unfulfilled political platitudes directed at the industrious Igbo populace must draw to a close. As we are in the year of 2025, we demand transparency and actionable commitments from our leaders across the seven Igbo-speaking states.
“It is imperative to underscore that Governor Nwaifuru’s pioneering efforts should serve as a lodestar for his counterparts in Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo States.
“In a landscape historically characterised by economic disadvantages in terms of federal allocations and internal revenue generation, the achievements of his administration are not only noteworthy, but also deserving of unreserved recognition.
“His tenure exemplifies a patriotic commitment to unity and progressive governance, thereby setting an inspiring standard for what can be accomplished through focused leadership.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally calls upon all South-East governors to emulate the groundbreaking strides made by Governor Nwaifuru.
“Let us converge in a united vision for a future where our youth are empowered, our communities fortified, and our region elevated to unprecedented heights of development and security,” the organisation stated.
