Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru has taken a bold step in youth development by sending 204 indigenes to the United Kingdom under his administration’s scholarship scheme.
The beneficiaries, who departed recently, represent a significant milestone in the governor’s plan to empower 8,000 youths through global education before the end of his tenure.
The initiative also includes 541 Ebonyi indigenes who have been enrolled in Nigerian universities, with all expenses fully covered by the state government.
The selection process has been described as transparent and merit-based, ensuring that deserving candidates were chosen and fostering public confidence in the programme
Nwifuru called on the beneficiaries to return to Ebonyi after their studies to contribute their expertise to the state’s development.
In stark contrast, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma’s promise to send 4,000 youths abroad for job opportunities remains unfulfilled.
The pledge, announced as part of a broader youth empowerment agenda of his administration, has yet to materialize, leaving many Imo youths disappointed and skeptical about the government’s commitment to their future.
Uzodimma made the promise during a campaign rally in September 2023, when addressing a jubilant crowd of mostly young Imo residents.
He assured them at the rally of his government’s efforts to negotiate with European and Canadian companies to provide employment opportunities for Imo youths.
“Let me tell you something: I have gone further to negotiate with the European Union companies and the Canadian companies.
“They are sending us areas of visible skills which our youth will also learn.” Uzodimma said.
The governor’s pledge, which included skill acquisition programmes to prepare youths for opportunities abroad, was met with euphoria.
The crowd Uzodiimma spoke to, erupted in excitement when he promised that “by December this year (2023), 4,000 Imo youths will be employed in Europe.”
He also vowed to assist with their transportation, pledging, “Once that letter comes, the governor will pay for your air ticket.”he assured.
However, despite the excitement generated by these assurances, no visible steps have been taken to implement the promises, almost two years ago.
Critics argue that the delays have eroded public trust and left many Imo youths feeling neglected.
The disparity highlights the contrasting approaches to youth development in the two southeastern states.
Ebonyi’s scholarship initiative has already yielded tangible results, while Imo’s stalled programme has left some young residents frustrated and disillusioned.
Observers believe that such initiatives are critical in addressing Nigeria’s broader challenges of unemployment and underdevelopment among the youth.
“Programmes like these not only empower individuals but also provide the economic and intellectual foundation for states and national growth,” said Dr Festus Aniolu, a development expert based in Owerri.
The unfulfilled promises in Imo have also raised questions about the government’s priorities. Many see Uzodimma’s pledge as a missed opportunity to inspire hope and confidence in the youth of the State.
“It’s disheartening to see what Ebonyi is doing while we’re still waiting for promises that seem like a dream,” said Okwudiri Osuji, an unemployed graduate in Owerri.
While Governor Nwifuru’s emphasis on skill acquisition and knowledge development is widely seen as a model for effective governance, Imo’s unfulfilled pledges, on the other hand, have served as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency and accountability in government programs.
The critical question remains: will Governor Uzodimma rise to the occasion and fulfill his promise to 4,000 youths, or will it remain another unfulfilled political statement?