The Ebonyi South Youths Assembly has urged critics of the Ebonyi State Government to desist from what it described as a sustained campaign of misinformation against Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration, insisting that the visible transformation taking place across the state cannot be erased by what it termed false narratives.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Odii Njoku, the group specifically faulted recent criticisms by Mr. Nwoba Chika Nwoba, accusing him of deliberately misrepresenting the performance of the present administration and painting a negative image of Ebonyi State before the public.
The youth body said while constructive criticism remains a vital component of democracy, it must be anchored on facts rather than misinformation, exaggeration and selective presentation of issues.
According to the group, contrary to claims that the Nwifuru administration has failed in education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic development and governance, the government has recorded significant achievements across virtually every sector of the state’s economy.
The Assembly noted that the administration has undertaken one of the most ambitious human capital development programmes in the state’s history through its scholarship scheme, with more than 1,000 students benefiting. It explained that about 300 beneficiaries are studying in foreign institutions, while over 700 are pursuing postgraduate degrees in Nigerian universities.
It also highlighted the establishment of the ICT University at Oferekpe Agbaja and ongoing efforts to establish the proposed University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering in Ezza, alongside the construction and renovation of classrooms and improvements in teachers’ welfare.
On healthcare, the group said the government has equipped public hospitals with modern medical facilities, attracted a Regional Blood Bank project to the state, strengthened primary healthcare services and invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure. It added that potable water supply has also been restored to several parts of Abakaliki through the reactivation of major water schemes.
The Assembly further stated that the administration’s infrastructure drive is evident in the near completion of the Ebonyi International Trade Centre, the ongoing construction of the landmark Onuenyim Bridge linking Ebonyi and Benue states, community road projects across the 13 local government areas, traditional rulers’ buildings, housing estates and several community bridges.
It also listed the revival of the state-owned pipe production factory, the ongoing Ebonyi Industrial Cluster project and efforts to establish a new cement manufacturing plant as major initiatives aimed at boosting industrialisation, creating jobs and expanding the state’s internally generated revenue.
The group praised Governor Nwifuru for implementing reforms in the civil service, including improved workers’ welfare, promotions, recruitment of over 1,000 personnel and payment of gratuities and pensions owed to retirees dating back to 1996.
It equally commended the administration for extending statutory benefits to host communities in mineral-producing areas and implementing empowerment programmes for youths, women and farmers through agricultural support, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition initiatives.
On security, the youth body said the restoration of relative peace and stability across Ebonyi has created an enabling environment for investment and economic growth, describing security as the foundation upon which sustainable development thrives.
The Assembly also dismissed attempts to portray the state’s non-participation in a particular World Bank programme as evidence of poor governance, stressing that the government has successfully attracted several strategic development interventions.
It listed the Productive Use of Energy Agro-processing Equipment Grant, the DARES intervention, Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Programme, African Development Bank Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, e-HEART Project, HOPE Project, IMPACT Project and the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up among major interventions secured by the state.
According to the group, the initiatives are expected to strengthen agriculture, improve healthcare delivery, expand access to clean water, enhance education, create employment opportunities and accelerate economic growth across the state.
The Assembly urged members of the public to verify information before accepting claims circulated on social media, maintaining that the achievements of the present administration are visible and verifiable.
It advised critics to channel their energy towards offering practical solutions to the state’s developmental challenges rather than engaging in what it described as campaigns capable of discouraging investors and undermining public confidence.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and programmes that promote peace, accountability, unity, sustainable development and shared prosperity in Ebonyi State.