Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
National Association of Ebonyi State Students, NAESS Worldwide Saturday held a one million-man march in solidarity with the state Governor, Francis Nwifuru.
Ebonyi students from different Tetairy institutions in and outside Ebonyi state participated in the solidarity match.
The week long activity started with school sensitization by the national Association of Ebonyi state students tagged “Career Week”.
The solidarity match for the governor, which kicked off at the Abakaliki Township Stadium to the governor’s lodge, in the new Government House, Ochudo Centenary City Abakaliki according to the students was a show of appreciation for making Education a priority in his charter of needs agenda.
The National President of NAESS Comrade Collins Ogbonna, explained that the students 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 Francis 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,”.
On the next general election the students leader said, “In recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to the educational and socio-economic transformation of Ebonyi State, we, the students of Ebonyi State, wholeheartedly endorse Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for a second term as Governor of Ebonyi State.
“His administration has laid a strong foundation for sustainable development, and we firmly believe that his continuity in office will further accelerate progress in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
“As direct beneficiaries of his administration’s policies, we stand united in our resolve to support and work towards his re-election, ensuring that the good works he has started will not only be sustained but amplified.
“His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has proven himself a leader with a genuine passion for the progress of Ebonyi State and its people.
“As Ebonyi students, we pledge our unwavering solidarity and commitment to his administration, and we reaffirm our support for his vision of a greater Ebonyi,”.
Dr. Olisaemeka Nwuruku the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the 2025 NAESS Career Week told journalists that 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 the education sector in the state.
Nwuruku former Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Southeast and South-South Zones, commended the governor for giving good attention to the welfare of students and other education workforce in the state.
“Under the umbrella of the National Association of Ebonyi state student worldwide, we are here to appreciate His Excellency for his education leadership. His Excellency has done a lot for our students.
“many number of them are in the United Kingdom, studying on scholarships, doing their masters in different fields of endeavour. That is a great stride in the education, in the history of Ebonyi state.
We’ve not had it this far in student welfare.
“His Excellency has made his budget to favour education and our students are enjoying major parts of his investments in Ebonyi state.
“Today we are gathered in the Abakliki Township Stadium to have a one million match in his honour and to tell him that we appreciate him, not only in the student community but all the good things he has been doing in Ebonyi state since he emerged as a governor of Ebonyi state. He said.
, 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.