The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter, has said the development initiatives of the First Lady of Ebonyi State, Mrs. Mary-Maudelin Ogbonna Nwifuru, deserve national recognition, citing their impact on women, youths and vulnerable groups across the state.
The State Chairman of NYCN, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, said this during a radio programme on the Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC), where he commended the First Lady’s interventions through the Better Ebonyi for Women Project (BERWO).
According to Ochishi, the BERWO initiative has continued to complement the state government’s development efforts by addressing critical social needs at the grassroots.
“What the First Lady is doing through BERWO goes beyond charity; it is deliberate development targeted at women, youths and the vulnerable,” he said.
Ochishi listed the areas of intervention to include healthcare delivery, the fight against child trafficking, campaigns against female genital mutilation, and the construction of residential buildings for widows across the state.
“We have seen concrete interventions—healthcare support, protection of children, the fight against harmful traditional practices and decent housing for widows.
"These are things that directly touch the lives of ordinary Ebonyi people,” he added.
He also noted that the First Lady had rolled out educational and agricultural incentive programmes aimed at improving learning outcomes and boosting food production.
“When you invest in education and agriculture, you are securing the future. These programmes are helping students and farmers while also strengthening food security in the state,” Ochishi said.
The NYCN chairman urged residents, particularly youths, to participate actively in the ongoing Permanent Voter’s Card registration, stressing that political relevance is tied to voter strength.
“Our numbers matter. If we want a strong voice at the national level, Ebonyi people must come out en masse to register and vote,” he said.
On security, he called on youths to support peace efforts, especially during the yuletide, urging them to report suspicious activities.
“Security is everybody’s business. If you see something, say something. That is how we keep our communities safe,” he stated.
Ochishi also advised citizens to avoid reckless spending during the festive season.
“The yuletide should not leave people broke. Spend wisely and plan for the days ahead,” he cautioned.
He warned individuals involved in criminal activities to desist, noting that the state would not tolerate actions capable of undermining peace.
“Ebonyi is not a safe haven for troublemakers. Those bent on causing unrest should have a rethink,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NYCN to youth empowerment and peacebuilding, adding, “When you build the youth, you build the nation.”
