Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, has warned the 204 foreign scholarship students from the State to United Kingdom, not to toe the path of separatist Simon Ekpa whom he said the State sent to Finland to study and is now instigating the killings in the State.
Governor Nwifuru gave the warning during the official flag-off of the State Scholarship Scheme held at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, Ezza South local government area of the State.
Governor Nwifuru warned the students to abstain from any act that would bring disrepute and embarrassment to their families, the State and Federal government of Nigeria.
“I leave you with this, never forget where you came from. I will want you to allow the aspiration of our people to inspire you and let the challenges as a State follow your determination to succeed. While there, do not forget that we are counting on you to return to our State as our great leaders.
“The achievements we expect from you are very heavy. The new innovations we are expecting is also very heavy. Don’t care to think of disappointing us. We will never take it and we must compel you to deliver. We are not also going to leave you like others.
“Remember our brother that is causing crisis, that is asking people to kill people in this state, Simon Ekpa, remember he was sent to Finland to study on scholarship, don’t toe his path. If you do that, we will regret sending you.
“Your returning home will justify the huge amount our state is committing to ensure that you attain this height. For the overall benefit of our people, do not be swayed by the euphoria of luxury in overseas,” the governor stated.
Governor Nwifuru maintained that the State government decided to embark on the project to empower the people of the State.
“This is a project that many people believe was practically impossible but for me, I believe that empowering human beings is more expensive than building infrastructure but it is also more productive than infrastructures put in place.
“So spending huge amount of money totalling about N15 billion is worth spending to empower our people. We paid you living allowance amounting to almost N1million per month. So face your studies, remain focused and become great ambassadors of the State,” he added.
Governor Nwifuru, during the flag-off, also commended the chairman, Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, for airlifting the students from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, adding that his support made the journey a huge success.
