Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru has urged the youths of the state to shun the planned nationwide hunger protest slated for August 1.
Nwifuru made the call on Wednesday at the stakeholders Youth Engagement Summit held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre in Abakiliki.
The governor said his administration is committed to creating an enabling environment that allow the youths to thrive.
He explained that his administration recognizes the importance of youth development and is working tirelessly to provide opportunities for education, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.
He said, “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.”