The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, has empowered widows, youths and other less-privileged persons in Enyim Agbaja Autonomous Community as part of activities to mark the New Year 2026, while also calling for widespread support for the re-election of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in 2027.
Speaking during the New Year outreach
held in Onuenyim Agbaja Village, Comrade Ochishi urged youths and residents of the community to remain steadfast, united and God-fearing in the year 2026, noting that sustainable development thrives where peace, trust in God and responsible leadership exist.
According to him, Governor Nwifuru’s administration has continued to demonstrate commitment to good governance through people-oriented policies anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs, adding that the governor has met critical development benchmarks in infrastructure, human capital development and inclusive governance.
“As youths, we must support leaders who have shown capacity, compassion and commitment to the welfare of the people.
"Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has laid a solid foundation for sustainable development in Ebonyi State, and he deserves our continued support come 2027,” Ochishi said.
As part of the empowerment programme, the NYCN Ebonyi chairman distributed wrappers to over 50 widows, food items including bags of rice, Maggi cubes and salt, as well as N1 million cash and other relief materials to beneficiaries as New Year largesse.
The event drew commendations from community leaders, led by the Traditional Ruler of Enyim Agbaja Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Jonathan Ofim, who praised both Governor Nwifuru and Comrade Ochishi for their developmental and humanitarian efforts.
HRH Eze Ofim described the NYCN leadership in Ebonyi State as a symbol of hope for Nigeria’s future, noting that Comrade Ochishi’s leadership style is marked by humility, respect for elders, peace-building and uncommon philanthropy.
“Your presence and activities have contributed meaningfully to peace and development in Ebonyi State. We have watched your leadership closely and we see clear differences. We call on government to continue to support the National Youth Council of Nigeria,” the monarch stated.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event, including Chief Israel Ochishi, Executive Chairman of the Late Chief Linus Ugo Edeh Memorial Timbershed; Comrade Ogodo Chineme, Chief Security Officer of NYCN; Barr. Obinna Ofim, Director of Legal Services, NYCN Ebonyi State; and other stakeholders, all applauded the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
They noted that the outreach was the first of its kind in the community and urged other youth leaders to emulate such people-centered gestures.
Comrade Ochishi dedicated the New Year largesse to the continued success of Governor Nwifuru’s administration, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to promoting good governance and youth development across Ebonyi State.
“Build the Youth, Build the Nation,” he concluded.
