Beyond the scholarships, we commend His Excellency’s numerous interventions in infrastructure development, school renovations, provision of educational resources, and overall support for students at all levels
By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
Students under the auspices of the National Association of Ebonyi State Students, NAESS, Worldwide has held a one million man march in solidarity with the state governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru.
The solidarity march for the Ebonyi governor, which began early hours of Saturday at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium to the governor’s lodge, in the new Government House, Ochudo Centenary City Abakaliki, saw the presence of the students and their leaders who massively came out from the 13 local government areas of the state and beyond.
Speaking during the event, the NAESS National President, Comrade Collins Ogbonna, said the students embarked on the solidarity march to appreciate Governor Nwifuru’s transformative leadership in Ebonyi State.
Ogbonna said the NAESS has keenly observed the remarkable strides of Governor Nwifuru in the governance of Ebonyi State, particularly in the education sector.
“We extend our profound appreciation to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his unwavering commitment to the advancement of education in Ebonyi State. His administration has demonstrated an unprecedented dedication to the welfare of Ebonyi students, evident in the historic award of foreign and local scholarships to over 1,000 Ebonyi State students and indigenes.
“This singular act has not only provided deserving students with access to quality education but has also positioned Ebonyi State as a hub for academic excellence.
“Beyond the scholarships, we commend His Excellency’s numerous interventions in infrastructure development, school renovations, provision of educational resources, and overall support for students at all levels.
“His dedication to human capital development is a testament to his visionary leadership, which continues to empower the youth and secure a brighter future for our dear state,” the President said.
Ogbonna also declared that the association has endorsed Nwifuru for a second term as the governor of the state come 2027 following his leadership style in the state.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the 2025 NAESS Career Week and former Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Southeast and South-South Zones, Dr Olisaemeka Alfred Nwuruku, described the solidarity march as part of the activities embarked on by the student body to appreciate the governor for his wise leadership disposition in promoting education sector in the state.
He commended the governor for taking good care of the welfare of students and other education workforce, as well as his strides in human empowerment and infrastructural development in the state.
The Special Assistant to Ebonyi State Governor on Student Mobilization, Princess Angel Odono, described Nwifuru as the most student-friendly governor since Ebonyi’s creation in considering his contributions towards uplifting the education standards of the state since taking the mantle of leadership.