Ohanaeze urges Uzodimma to fulfill promise of 4,000 scholarships

Igbo apex group Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Sunday asked Governor Hope Uzodinma to emulate Governor Francis Nwifuru’s scholarship scheme after his government sent 204 Ebonyi youths to study in various schools in the United Kingdom, by sending 4,000 Imolites abroad for jobs, as he promised during his campaign for a second tenure.

In a statement in Abakaliki, the Deputy President General of the Ohanaeze faction, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said that after 16 months of waiting in vain, the disquieting silence surrounding the realization of this promise has left the youth of Imo State feeling disillusioned and skeptical about the government’s genuine commitment to their future.

He implored Governor Uzodimma to emulate his counterpart from Ebonyi State by fulfilling the promise of securing overseas job opportunities for 4,000 Imo youths across Europe, Canada, and the United States, a promise he made during the political rally in September 2023.

He added that after 16 months, the disquieting silence surrounding the realization of this promise has left the youths of Imo State disillusioned and skeptical.

He applauded Governor Nwifuru for the remarkable achievement of successfully dispatching 204 promising youths from Ebonyi State to the United Kingdom under his administration’s scholarship scheme, noting that this laudable initiative not only epitomizes a profound commitment to youth empowerment but also stands as a beacon of hope amid the pervasive tides of insecurity that continue to afflict our Southeastern homeland.

He called upon all Southeast governors to consider the pioneering strides made by Nwifuru, pleading with them to forge a path toward a future where our youth are empowered, our communities are fortified, and our region ascends to unprecedented heights of development and security.

The statement read, “The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, extends its resounding commendation to Gov. Nwifuru for the strategic investment in our youths through scholarship programs, which is not merely an act of benevolence but a visionary commitment toward fostering a future where knowledge and skills supersede the destructive notions of armed conflict.

“We observe the glaring inaction of fellow Southeast Governors as these states languish without robust frameworks for youth empowerment, and they stand in dire need of comprehensive governance that encompasses international scholarship opportunities, agricultural training programs, access to soft loans for small and medium enterprises, and effective amnesty initiatives aimed at quelling youth agitation.

“In this light, we call upon Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State to fulfill the commitments made during the political rally in September 2023, wherein he pledged to secure overseas job opportunities for 4,000 Imo youths across Europe, Canada, and the United States.

“After 16 months of waiting in vain, the disquieting silence surrounding the realization of this promise has left the youth of Imo State feeling disillusioned and skeptical about the government’s genuine commitment to their future.

“Ohanaeze stands ready to engage stakeholders and allies to emphasize the urgency of actualizing Governor Uzodimma’s assurances, and we envisage a concerted effort where negotiations with reputable firms across Europe and Canada would be pursued with vigor, creating sustainable employment pathways for the youth of Imo State.

“It is imperative to draw a resolute line in the sand. The era of unfulfilled political promises to the industrious Igbo populace must unequivocally come to an end. As we progress through 2025, we demand transparent, actionable commitments from our leaders across the seven Igbo-speaking states.

“Additionally, it is crucial to emphasize that Nwifuru’s pioneering efforts must serve as an exemplar for other states in the Southeast. The historical disadvantages faced by Ebonyi State in terms of federal allocations and internal revenue generation make the successes of his administration particularly commendable and worthy of recognition.

“His tenure illustrates a patriotic dedication to unity and progressive governance, setting a formidable standard for what can be accomplished through focused and visionary leadership.”