The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter, has passed a vote of confidence on the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, commending his government’s pension reforms, infrastructural development and youth-focused policies across the State.
The endorsement formed part of resolutions reached at the end of the Council’s quarterly meeting held on Friday in Abakaliki, attended by executives, coordinators, stakeholders and youth leaders drawn from the thirteen Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the Council described Governor Nwifuru’s leadership as visionary, inclusive, people-oriented and development-driven.
The communiqué, jointly signed by the Chairman of NYCN Ebonyi State Chapter, Comrade Douglas Ochishi; the State Secretary, Comrade Onuoha Omenyi Nwakpu; and the Deputy State Chairman, Comrade Uzo Stanley Emeka, reaffirmed the Council’s total support and solidarity with the present administration.
The youth body particularly applauded the Governor for the successful clearance of gratuities and pensions owed to retirees from 1996, when Ebonyi State was created, to date, describing the move as historic and a major relief to retired civil servants and their families.
According to the communiqué, the Council also commended the State Government for sponsoring over 1,000 Ebonyi graduates to pursue Master’s and Doctorate degree programmes in foreign and indigenous universities.
The NYCN noted that the initiative had significantly enhanced intellectual capacity, leadership development and global competitiveness among youths in the State.
The Council further praised the administration’s commitment to human capital development through empowerment programmes targeted at youths, women, the elderly and vulnerable groups.
On healthcare, the Council lauded the government’s interventions in upgrading medical facilities, recruiting health professionals and providing modern equipment and welfare packages aimed at improving service delivery across the State.
The youth leaders equally hailed the reform and repositioning of traditional institutions in Ebonyi State, especially the construction of befitting edifices for traditional rulers and efforts geared towards improving their welfare and dignity.
The communiqué also commended the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of rural roads and urban renewal projects across communities and major cities in the State, noting that such interventions had improved connectivity, commerce and socioeconomic activities.
The NYCN reaffirmed its support for the People’s Charter of Needs agenda of the present administration, particularly in the areas of security, youth inclusion, infrastructure, economic empowerment and social welfare.
The Council expressed satisfaction with the prevailing peace and improved security architecture in the State, stating that the stable environment had continued to attract investments and stimulate economic growth.
The youth body further called on young people across Ebonyi State and Nigeria to actively participate in the ongoing Permanent Voter Card registration exercise as part of efforts to promote credible leadership and democratic participation.
The Council urged youths in the State to remain peaceful, law-abiding and supportive of policies and programmes geared towards sustainable development and collective prosperity.
It expressed optimism that the successful completion of ongoing projects and initiatives of the Nwifuru administration would position Ebonyi among the fastest-growing states in Nigeria.
The Council also passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman of NYCN Ebonyi State Chapter, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, praying for greater wisdom and elevation as he continues to lead the organisation.
