Why Ebonyi youths endorsed Nwifuru, Tinubu for second term – Commissioner

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori, has revealed how unity among youths in Uburu led to the unanimous endorsement of Governor Francis Nwifuru and President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

He described the development as a historic moment for youth solidarity and political stability in the area.

Uburu, the hometown of the current Minister for Works and one of the three major towns in the Ohaozara local government area of the state.

Speaking during an interview, the commissioner explained that Uburu is made up of four autonomous communities and that youths across these communities had previously operated under different youth platforms.

“However, driven by shared interests and appreciation of the governor’s leadership, rival youth groups resolved their differences and dissolved into a single body known as the Uburu Youth Front

According to him, the decision to unite was motivated by Governor Nwifuru’s inclusive governance and youth-friendly policies, which have seen many Uburu youths appointed as commissioners, senior special assistants, special advisers, and board members in the state government.

“The governor is one of us. He has treated Uburu youths as his own, and we felt the best way to appreciate him was to speak with one voice,” the commissioner said.

He noted that the unity of the youths culminated in a solidarity road work exercise and a formal endorsement of the governor for a second term.

The Commissioner said the youths also resolved to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election, alongside the Ebonyi State governor.

Mr Ori said the youths are happy with the president for appointing their son, Senator David Umahi, as Minister for Works.

He noted that the Minister, working under the direction of President Tinubu, has been able to deliver massive infrastructural development to Ebonyi and the Southeast.

“We are very grateful people, and the only way to show gratitude to the President is to give him our votes”, he said

In the 2027 general elections, Engr. Francis Ori expressed confidence that Governor Nwifuru would secure a landslide victory, citing peace, unity, and developmental achievements across the state.

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He dismissed fears of strong opposition, arguing that the absence of a cohesive opposition party and the prevailing unity among stakeholders give the governor a clear advantage.

“This is the first time Ebonyi State is enjoying this level of peace. The governor has united communities and stakeholders. There is no room for divisive politics again,” he stated.

The commissioner also highlighted humanitarian efforts through his Orimatic Care Foundation, which recently organized a large-scale Christmas celebration for vulnerable widows across the four Uburu autonomous communities.

He said the foundation, established in 2017, recently distributed rice, wrappers, cash gifts, and other items to over 600 vulnerable widows in Ebonyi State.

“To ensure fairness, we asked the Presidents-General of the communities to select 150 widows from each of the four communities, ensuring that beneficiaries were truly in need,” he explained.

He added that the foundation currently sponsors 36 university students—17 of whom have graduated in professional courses such as medicine, engineering, and law—as well as over 100 pupils in primary and secondary schools.

The commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment, social welfare, and unity, noting that the coming years would see even greater investments in education, humanitarian services, and community development. Ends