Ebonyi Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment As 2026 International Youth Week Begins ‎

‎ ‎Ebonyi State Governor,Rt Hon. Francis Nwifuru, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to youth development through strategic investments in education, empowerment and inclusive governance.

‎ ‎The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Chidi Onyia, stated this yesterday at the flag-off of the 2026 International Youth Week held at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki. ‎ ‎

He said the government had created opportunities for young people through political appointments, scholarships and empowerment programmes, urging beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through hard work, responsibility and quality service. ‎

‎Governor Nwifuru also advised youths to shun violence, crime and other social vices while supporting policies that promote peace and development. ‎In his address, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter, Douglas Ochishi, cautioned youths against being used for electoral violence, ballot box snatching, misinformation, cultism and other activities capable of undermining democracy. ‎

He called for increased investment in youth empowerment, describing young people as critical drivers of sustainable development. ‎ ‎Ochishi commended Governor Nwifuru's administration for prioritizing youth inclusion, education, entrepreneurship, sports and skills acquisition under the People's Charter of Needs agenda. ‎ ‎Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender-Based Violence, Barrister Mary-Ann Nkwegu, urged parents to intentionally raise boys with values of respect, empathy and accountability as a preventive approach to gender-based violence. ‎ ‎On health awareness, Chief Executive Officer of Nkwegu Medical Specialist Hospital, Abakaliki, Dr. Ogechi Nkwegu, warned that hypertension is increasingly affecting young people and encouraged participants to take advantage of the free medical screening provided during the event while adopting healthier lifestyles.