Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has called for the urgent restoration of moral education in schools and a collective revival of the core values that once defined the Southeast region.
Speaking through his Principal Secretary, Chief Matthias Adum, the governor delivered the message during the Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Universal Christ Ministry of All Nations in Abakaliki.
The ministry was founded by the Ebonyi State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Rt. Rev. Scamb Chinedum Nwokolo.
Governor Nwifuru lamented that the Igbo nation, once celebrated for its leadership, integrity, industriousness, and entrepreneurial spirit, has drifted from these ideals.
He attributed this decline to historical setbacks and years of neglect, which led to the collapse of major economic hubs, indigenous industries, and institutions that once positioned the Southeast as a national pacesetter.
Recalling the region’s past glory, the governor noted that the Southeast once hosted West Africa’s largest market and thrived with local industries, lamenting that most multinational companies and Igbo-owned banks have since disappeared.
He also expressed concern over dwindling educational engagement among youths and their low participation in national institutions such as the military, police, immigration, and customs services.
According to Nwifuru, this erosion of values has fueled insecurity, youth restiveness, and economic stagnation.
He urged Ndigbo across the country to rethink their priorities, invest in production, revive manufacturing, and restore the vibrancy of regional markets.
The governor further appealed to the Christian Association of Nigeria to reintroduce moral instruction and evangelism programs in schools to help rebuild the character of the younger generation.
In response, CAN Chairman Rt. Rev. Nwokolo said the association had prepared manuals to relaunch moral instruction across Ebonyi schools and commended the governor for his people-centered leadership.
Guest preacher Rev. Dr. Sam Williams encouraged Christians to cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving rather than complaints, emphasizing that gratitude invites divine intervention.
Other attendees, including WOWICAN Chairperson Rev. Rita Okpaku and Evangelist Abigail Eze-Iheukwumere, highlighted that despite Nigeria’s challenges, particularly insecurity, there remain countless reasons to give thanks to God this year.
The thanksgiving service also featured free HIV testing organized by the Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EBOSACA), led by State Executive Secretary Prince Chibueze Andrew Iteshi, alongside special sermons, songs, group presentations, and prayers. Speakers including Iteshi consistently emphasized gratitude to God despite prevailing national challenges, urging all and sundry to be conscious about their health and moral upkeep.
