By Victor Nwegede
The Executive Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Barrister Steve Emenike Nwankpa, has raised concern over what he described as a growing culture of dependency and “corporate begging” among young people, cautioning against their increasing disengagement from agriculture in pursuit of urban lifestyles.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, Nwankpa emphasized the urgent need for a cultural shift among youths, urging them to embrace agriculture and dignified labour instead of relying on handouts or fleeing rural opportunities.
“There is a disturbing mindset taking root—many young people are abandoning the farms for city life, depending on government aid instead of contributing productively. We must restore dignity in labor and promote self-reliance," the chairman said.
While acknowledging the importance of support initiatives, Nwankpa underscored that dependency must not replace enterprise. He extolled the expertise of local farmers in yam cultivation in Izzi LGA, noting that many deliberately avoid fertilizers to preserve crop quality, thereby demonstrating sustainable indigenous knowledge.
His comments came as part of a broader briefing in which he unveiled a comprehensive development agenda across healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding within the Izzi Local Government Area.
Describing healthcare as the "bedrock" of his administration, Nwankpa detailed numerous medical interventions, including footing hospital bills for indigent patients at multiple facilities and settling mortuary debts to allow dignified burials for deceased residents.
He noted that community-based healthcare providers, such as traditional bone setters, have also received support in the form of food items, boreholes, and financial assistance in the area.
In the area of education and youth development, the chairman highlighted partnerships with organizations such as TAG Global, an affiliate of Cisco in Akwa Ibom, through which several local youths are currently receiving full ICT scholarships in cybersecurity and networking, complete with accommodation and monthly stipends.
The council, according to him, is also sponsoring 31 students in private schools and has taken responsibility for vulnerable children, including a girl rescued from Awka Ibom who is now integrated into his household.
He equally highlighted his administration's economic empowerment efforts with support being provided to displaced traders, small business owners, and residents affected by urban demolitions.
Nwankpa noted that aid is deliberately targeted at those without political clout or social media influence, stating, “We focus on those too vulnerable to believe hope still exists.”
On peacebuilding, the council boss disclosed that he has personally mediated in communal conflicts across the LGA, from Nduogbaga Obashi to Ezza-Inyimegu, often under harsh conditions. He emphasized the use of traditional reconciliation methods over imposed settlements, contributing to the restoration of peace in volatile communities like Otamnwagba.
Nwankpa described his leadership philosophy as one rooted in replication of values rather than accumulation of wealth. “Leadership is about replicating a better version of yourself. No person trapped by misfortune in this LGA has been left without help," he hinted.
