Governor Francis Nwifuru on Saturday warned over 200 Ebonyi students sent by the state government to various schools in the United Kingdom for their postgraduate programmes not to behave like Simon Ekpa.
The governor made this statement at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ezza South Local Government Area of the state during the flag-off of the State Scholarship Scheme. He noted that 8,000 Ebonyi people must benefit from the scheme before the end of his administration.
He reminded the students that their case must be different from that of Simon Ekpa, who, instead of reciprocating the gesture of being sent abroad on scholarship, turned around to become a nuisance to the entire country.
Nwifuru urged the students to graduate on record time and return immediately, stating that this would pave the way for others to benefit.
He cautioned them not to be swayed by the euphoria of luxury overseas and lose focus on their dreams.
“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, words, and 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 expect you to graduate on record time 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 being sent abroad for scholarship, turned around to become a nuisance to the entire country. We expect you to graduate on record time and return immediately, as this will pave the way for others to benefit.
“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, 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 we can transform our education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology sectors into models of progress. I firmly believe the solutions to our problems lie in empowering you, the youth, with opportunities like this.”
The governor also expressed appreciation to the dedicated team that made the 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. Let the aspirations of our people 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 has 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 focus on your dreams. Guided by this, we can build together the prosperous future our state deserves,” Nwifuru said.
