In a region marked by increasing challenges, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has hailed Governor Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for his groundbreaking youth empowerment initiative. Under his administration’s scholarship scheme, 204 promising youths have been sent abroad to further their education, a move lauded as both timely and transformative.
Ohanaeze described this gesture as a “visionary investment in the future,” emphasizing its importance amidst the growing insecurity and youth restiveness in the Southeast. The organization, in a statement released by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, commended Nwifuru for prioritizing education and urged other Southeast governors to replicate such impactful governance.
The statement expressed concern over the lack of similar youth-focused initiatives in Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo States. Ohanaeze highlighted the urgent need for robust frameworks in these states, including international scholarship opportunities, agricultural training programs, access to soft loans, and effective amnesty schemes to curb unrest and provide economic alternatives for young people.
Particularly, the group criticized Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State for his unfulfilled promise to secure overseas job opportunities for 4,000 youths, a commitment made during a political rally in September 2023. After 16 months of inaction, the silence has left Imo youths disillusioned, prompting Ohanaeze to demand accountability and immediate action to fulfill these pledges.
“We must draw a resolute line in the sand. The era of unfulfilled political promises to the industrious Igbo populace must unequivocally come to an end,” the statement read. Ohanaeze called for transparent and actionable commitments from leaders, urging them to adopt Governor Nwifuru’s proactive approach.
The organization stressed that empowering the region’s youth is vital for the future security and prosperity of Southeast Nigeria. It envisions a collective effort by all Southeast governors to foster an environment where knowledge, innovation, and enterprise can flourish. By doing so, the youth can play a pivotal role in driving regional and national development.
Ohanaeze’s call serves as both a challenge and an opportunity for the Southeast governors to rise to the occasion and secure a brighter future for the next generation.
AT REPORTERS
