‘Don’t bring shame to Ebonyi govt, your families – Nwifuru tells 90 scholarship awardees to Europe 

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

The governor of Ebonyi State Francis Nwifuru on Monday has tasked over ninety citizens of the state who was awarded scholarships to study in Europe not to bring shame to their families and the state government who had spent billions of naria to secure the scholarship for them.

Nwifuru made this known while addressing the stakeholders of the state and the scholarship awardees during the flag off of the second Batch of the overseas scholarship scheme of the government, that took place at the Okadigbo international airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State.

He emphasized: “The event today is not just about boarding a flight, rather, it is about destiny taking flight. It is about hope leaving the runway of Ebonyi State and soaring into the future. 

“Each one of you seated here represents a dream that this government has chosen to protect, nurture, and send forth into the world. During the first batch of our scholarship, held early last year, I called for behavioural change. 

“But today, let me speak to you sincerely and from the depth of my soul. I want you to know that this overseas scholarship programme costs the Ebonyi State Government a very huge sum of money. 

“It is one of the most financially demanding interventions of this administration, coming second to other interventions like Works and Infrastructural. When I first conceived this idea, of course, there were intense debates. There were pressures. 

“There were strong voices, both within and outside the government, these voices for record purposes and for your consumption, openly calling for its suspension, especially in light of the global economic downturn. 

“They argued that the resources should be channelled elsewhere, especially in provisions of basic infrastructures for our people in our remote villages. I weighed options after listening to their compelling arguments and intellectually challenging submissions.

“However, we all know that leadership is not about yielding to pressures, I stood firm on my conviction that making you great in life and investing in your future cannot be calculated monetarily.

“Under my watch, we weighed every option carefully. We looked at the roads, the hospitals, the schools, and the many competing needs of our people. And yet, after all considerations, we concluded. 

“If we abandon investment in our people, especially our youths, then we mortgage the future of Ebonyi State. That is why we made a deliberate, bold, and compassionate choice of investing in you, to make you great in life, and to prepare you for global relevance.

“And so be guided at all times as you are leaving that this decision is not accidental. It is firmly rooted in our People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, where human capital development stands as a topmost priority. 

“It is also rooted in the belief that no society rises above the quality of its human resources, and Ebonyi State will not be left behind in the comity of progressive states characterised by men and women of knowledge. 

“And so my beloved brothers and sisters I want you to understand something very personal today. This opportunity you are about to enjoy is one I and many others here never had in the journey of life. 

“We walked our paths through perseverance, sacrifice, and the grace of God Almighty, Whose Mercy and Grace placed most of us here today as your leaders.

“I charge you today to be disciplined. Be focused. Be humble. Avoid anything that will bring shame to your families, to this government, or to our dear state. Strive and crave for excellence and be defined by it. 

“At all times, give room for integrity and guide it. I am sure you are aware that Ebonyians are not loafers, hard work should be your constant companion.

“Remember that every naira spent on this scholarship is the collective sacrifice of our people, farmers, traders, civil servants, and artisans who believe that your success will one day translate into a stronger, more prosperous Ebonyi State.

“Please, do not betray that trust. Make every lecture, every assignment, and every opportunity count” he stressed.