January 18, (THEWILL) – Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has disclosed that eight thousand (8,000) people from Ebonyi are set to benefit from the State scholarship Scheme before the end of our administration, as a way to equip the youths with skills and knowledge to drive the development of the State forward.
The governor, who disclosed this at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Ezza South local government area, charged the beneficiaries not to be swayed by the euphoria of luxury overseas and lose their dreams.
The governor expressed the hope that the beneficiaries would graduate on record times and return home immediately to pave the way for others to benefit.
Nwifuru said, “As you embark on this transformative journey to world-class institutions abroad and across Nigeria, let me remind you of the immense responsibility that comes with this privilege. You are not just students, you are Ambassadors of our state.
“Your actions, your words, and your achievements will reflect not only on you but on our collective identity as Ebonyi people. At all times. In your private and public undertakings, be guided by this. We have expectations that you will graduate on record times and return to contribute your quota towards the development of Ebonyi State.
“Your case must be different from that of Simon Ekpa who instead of reciprocating the gesture of sending him abroad for scholarship turned round to constitute himself a nuisance to the entire Country. We expect you to graduate on record times as I said before and return immediately as this will pave the way for others to benefit.
“Therefore, I urge you to immerse yourselves fully in your studies, embrace the cultures you encounter, and build networks that will be invaluable to your growth. But remember, your ultimate mission lies here at home. Upon completing your studies. For emphasis, we expect you to return to our state and channel your expertise into sectors that need your innovation, creativity, and leadership.
“The challenges we face as a state are significant, but they are not insurmountable. With the right minds and the right commitment, we can transform our education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology sectors into models of progress. I firmly believe that the solutions to our problems lie in empowering you, the youth, with opportunities like this.
“Once again, I would also like to use this medium to thank the dedicated team that made this scholarship scheme a reality. Your vision and determination have laid a solid foundation for a brighter tomorrow anchored on renewed minds which forms the core policy thrust of the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda.
“To our scholars, I leave you with this: “Never forget where you come from”. I would like you to allow the aspirations of our people to inspire you, and let the challenges we face as a state fuel your determination to succeed. While there, do not forget we are counting on you to return to our state as leaders, innovators, and agents of change.
“This will justify the huge amount our state committed to ensuring you attain greater heights for the overall benefit of our people. Do not be swayed by the euphoria of luxury overseas and lose in the chase of dreams. Being guided by this, we can build together the prosperous future our state deserves”, Nwifuru said.
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
