FON Summit: Gov. Nwifuru commends Ebonyi youths, reaffirms administration's commitment to empowerment

Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has commended youths in the state for their discipline, commitment, and sustained support for his administration, assuring them of continued empowerment to enhance productivity and self-reliance.

The governor gave the commendation while gracing the just-concluded Ebonyi Youth Summit organized by the Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru (FON) Youth Movement, an event aimed at mobilizing young people in support of the current administration and sensitizing them on responsible and productive living.

Represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Richard Idike, Governor Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to prioritize human and capital development, stressing that governance in Ebonyi State is firmly anchored on the needs of the people, particularly the youths. According to him, since the inauguration of his administration on May 29, 2023, youths have remained central to the People’s Charter of Needs, noting that many young people have been appointed into strategic government positions.

He disclosed that about 2,000 youths have so far benefited from empowerment grants of up to two million naira each to either start new businesses or expand existing ones for sustainable livelihoods. Governor Nwifuru further highlighted the inclusion of various youth organizations in the empowerment drive, including the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, Ezza Ezekuna, Ikwo-Nnoyo, Ngbolizhia, Igbessa, and Ohanivo, among others.

The summit, held at the Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre, Abakaliki, featured sensitization sessions on the dangers of social vices such as drug abuse, alcoholism, and cult-related activities. In his remarks, the National President of the FON Youth Movement, Hon. Chinedu Emerike, said the 2025 Ebonyi Youth Summit, themed “Youths as a Driving Force for Societal Values,” was designed to provide a platform for young people to exchange ideas, learn from shared experiences, and build networks for positive impact.

Emerike praised Governor Nwifuru for his inclusive leadership style and commitment to youth development, noting that youths in Ebonyi State are now actively involved in governance through appointments, empowerment programmes, employment opportunities, contracts, and scholarship schemes, both locally and internationally. Also speaking, the Board of Trustees Chairman of the FON Youth Movement, Commander Chibuoyi Victor Nwenyi, applauded the state government for its numerous empowerment initiatives, describing the summit as a show of support for the youthful administration. He urged beneficiaries of government empowerment programmes to use the opportunities wisely, cautioning against wasteful spending and emphasizing the need for accountability and productivity among youths. The summit ended with a renewed call for Ebonyi youths to remain law-abiding, focused, and committed to contributing meaningfully to the development of the state.