The President General of the Ebonyi Town Union Association in Anambra State, Ambassador Moses Igwe, has called for urgent intervention to address idleness and criminal activities linked to some Ebonyi indigenes residing in the state. He identified a lack of government focus on diaspora welfare as a root cause.
Government Partnership for Skills and Empowerment
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Thursday, December 25, in Onitsha, Ambassador Igwe stated his leadership is ready to partner with the Ebonyi state government under Governor Francis Nwifuru. The proposed collaboration aims to organise extensive skills acquisition programs for Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra.
"I plead with our amiable governor to look into the activities of our people in diaspora, especially those in Anambra, where we have the majority of diaspora residents," Igwe said. He emphasized that skills training goes beyond minor crafts and should include tailoring, cassava processing, auto mechanics, and block moulding.
The union leader stressed that after training, participants should receive capital to start their own businesses. "This will keep their spirits and bodies busy, sway their minds from evil... Our people need to be taught how to catch fish, not to be given mere fish," he added, highlighting the need for sustainable empowerment over handouts.
Addressing the Reputation and Root Causes
Ambassador Igwe expressed regret that Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra are often associated with illicit behaviours and demeaning jobs like hawking, barrow pushing, and motor park touting. He blamed the "lackadaisical attitudes of successive governments" towards diaspora welfare for contributing to these challenges.
He noted that Ebonyi indigenes form one of the largest non-indigenous communities in Anambra State. To complement government efforts, he also extended a hand of partnership to wealthy individuals and corporate organisations within Ebonyi State, seeking their support to improve the quality of life for their kin in Anambra.
A Warning Against Division and a New Year Message
The President General issued a stern warning to individuals he accused of trying to create a parallel association and sow division within the Ebonyi community in Anambra. "I urge the person or persons responsible for this to steer clear and desist," he warned, noting his leadership has built the platform over 15 years.
For the New Year, Ambassador Igwe directed a message to Ebonyi indigenes in the diaspora, particularly in Anambra. He urged them to be good ambassadors, stay away from drugs, and desist from criminal activities like kidnapping and armed robbery, as well as disgraceful behaviours like begging.
This call for diaspora development and youth engagement comes amid broader concerns about social cohesion and economic opportunities for Nigerian youth living outside their home states.
