By joshua 
Refrain From Nation Wide Hunger Protest, Gov Nwifuru urges Ebonyi youths
By Agbo Amauche, Abakaliki
The Governor of Ebonyi State Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has urged youths not to participate from the proposed August 1st nationwide hunger protest in the interest of the State and support President Tinubu’s led adminstration for the realization of his renewed hope agenda.
Governor Nwifuru made the appeal on Wednesday during stakeholders and youth engagement summit held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre in Abakiliki, the State Capital
The governor said his administration is committed to providing good welfare packages to the people who overwhelming voted him into office as well as creating an enabling environment that allow youths of the State to thrive.
He disclosed that his government recognizes the importance of youth development and he is working tirelessly to provide opportunities for education, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship that would impact positively in their lives.
According to the Governor “I am aware of the planned protest against hunger and bad governance scheduled to take place across the country including Ebonyi State. While I understand the reasons and concerns that have led to this call to action, I strongly urge you all to refrain from participating in this protest.
“Today is a day set aside to provide governments and other stakeholders in youth development with the opportunity to draw attention to issues that have direct bearing on our resolve to better the lots of our young people.
“This event today is timely and appropriate at this period when our youths are restive and confrontational in their demands for policies that would make them fulfill their life purposes. Today, we gather to listen, to learn and to collaborate.
“I want to hear your ideas, your concerns, and your aspirations. We will work together to address the challenges you face and to unlock your full potential.
“I must seize this medium to reiterate that this administration is committed to the People’s Charter of Needs. This we have done by taking many of our youths out of the streets through our skills development and empowerment programmes.
“I am glad to inform you that most of the youth Empowerment beneficiaries who got Two Million Naira each are doing very well in their respective businesses. Another batch of our youths will soon get their money.Through gatherings like this, the youths are exposed to leadership training, character development, value re-orientation, conflict transformation and peace building among others.
“By the end of year 2025, 20,000 youths will be trained in mechanized agriculture, small and medium scale enterprises and other varying productive ventures. Expectedly, the state government will provide them with Microcredit facilities; thereby making them self-reliant and viable entrepreneurs with sustainable livelihood.
“It is important for our youths to leverage this opportunity and engage in agriculture which has remained a viable option to white collar jobs.”
On his part, the Minister of Works Federal of Nigeria Sen. David Umahi hinted that the planned protest is needless considering the efforts so far made by President Tinubu to secure the future of the country.
He said President Tinubu’s administration has done a lot for Ebonyi State and appealed to youths to shun the proposed protest for the overall interest and Development of the Country.
In their seperate submissions, the former Governor of Ebonyi State Chief Martin Elechi, and former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim extolled President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru’s led Government especially for working tirelessly towards providing basic infrastructures and social supports that aligns with the popular wishes of the vast majority.
The submit attracted members of National youth council of Nigeria NYCN, Izzi Nnodo youth forum, organized labour, Trade union Congress, civil society organizations, FON youth movement among others.
The leaders of the groups distanced themselves from the planned protest and pledged their total support and loyalty to President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru’s led adminstration.