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.
"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 His Excellency, Rt. Hon. 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," he added.
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.
Addressing the students, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru thanked them for the show of gratitude and support, which he said will propel him to do more.
"You have encouraged me to succeed in this journey. Always pray for me to do well so that I will also handover to a youth.
"I urge you to concentrate because nothing pays better than concentration.
"You must concentrate on your studies and ensure you repay your parents for all their sacrifices they made to bring you to this point.
"Every student should surprise their parents by making good results.
"We must do those things that will make our parents have confidence in us.
I solicit your cooperation to do more.
"I reduced the school fees not because we have so much money, but because I know what parents are going through".
The Governor who admonished the students to shun social vices assured that his administration will continue to accord priority to education.
Recall that the week-long career choice coach embarked on by the NAESS leadership began last Monday following its flag-off by the Special Assistant to Ebonyi State Governor on Student Affairs, Comrade Joshua Nwafor and his counterpart on Students Mobilization, Princess Angel Odono.
The NAESS deployed resource persons and guest lecturers to sensitize the students of secondary schools in the three senatorial zones of Ebonyi State aimed at offering guidance and counselling to school children on how to make the right choice of courses of study in the university and to reduce brain drain in the society.
The NAESS leadership emphasized the need to provide early career guidance for secondary School students to avert the menace of graduating without being employed and equally distributed writing materials, whiteboards and markers, among others, to the Ebonyi students when they visited their schools.
