The Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum (INYF) has disbursed N6 million in scholarship grants to 30 students from Izzi clan studying in various tertiary institutions across the country, while declaring support for the re-election of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The scholarship presentation and political endorsements formed the highlights of activities marking the second anniversary of the administration of the President of the Forum, Comrade Dr. Chibueze Andrew Elom, held on Tuesday at the INYF Secretariat along Afikpo Road, Abakaliki.
Speaking during the event, Elom said each of the 30 beneficiaries received N200,000 to support their educational pursuits, describing education and youth empowerment as critical components of his administration's vision for sustainable development in Izzi land.
He said the Forum had, within the past two years, recorded remarkable achievements in youth mobilisation, promotion of unity across Izzi communities, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes, as well as interventions in community peace and security.
According to him, the organisation has remained committed to fostering unity, love and peaceful coexistence among the people of Izzi while providing opportunities that would make young people self-reliant and employers of labour.
Elom noted that the current leadership had built on the legacies of past executives by expanding scholarship opportunities and facilitating programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of Izzi youths.
As part of resolutions reached during the anniversary celebration, the Forum unanimously reaffirmed its support for Governor Francis Nwifuru, describing him as the pillar and backbone of the organisation, and endorsed his second-term bid in the 2027 governorship election.
The Forum also adopted all APC candidates from Izzi clan expected to contest various elective positions in the 2027 elections. Those endorsed include Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi for Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Hon. Emmanuel Uguru for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, and Hon. Pastor Eze Nwachukwu Eze for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency.
Others are Hon. Aloy Nwodo, Hon. Goodluck Obinna Mbam, Hon. Victor Nwoke, Hon. Godwin Abiri, Hon. Chinyere Nwogbaga and Hon. Emmanuel Nwangele for the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
The Forum further threw its weight behind the incoming local government chairmen for Abakaliki, Ebonyi and Izzi Local Government Areas, describing the endorsement as part of its commitment to supporting good governance and youth inclusion under the Nwifuru administration.
He urged members of the Forum, particularly youths at home and in the diaspora, to embark on grassroots mobilisation, voter sensitisation and door-to-door campaigns to ensure overwhelming support for APC candidates during the 2027 elections.
Earlier, a Eucharistic celebration to commemorate the anniversary was officiated by Rev. Fr. James Nwofoke at the Forum's secretariat.
In his homily, the cleric charged the executive members to remain steadfast, united and God-fearing in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He described the two-year milestone as a testimony of God's faithfulness and urged the leadership to continue prioritising peace, youth empowerment, mentorship and the development of Izzi land above personal interests.
The event attracted a large turnout of youths, traditional stakeholders, women and community leaders from across Izzi land.
