Governor Nwifuru Launches Repatriation and Empowerment Drive for Ebonyi Indigenes

ABAKALIKI, July 20, 2025

In a bold move to drive economic empowerment and uplift citizens, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State today launched a targeted initiative aimed at repatriating Ebonyi men and women working in low-paying jobs across Nigeria, equipping them with skills, and reintegrating them into the local economy.

Why the Drive Matters

Many Ebonyi indigenes are trapped in underpaid menial labour far from home. According to Governor Nwifuru, these individuals are often exploited and undervalued, performing essential jobs without fair compensation or career progression . By bringing them home and providing training and recognition, the administration aims to reverse this trend, boost local capacity, and provide dignified employment.

Key Components of the Empowerment Plan

Repatriation of Residents Working in Menial Roles

The state government has initiated a structured plan to identify, reach out to, and repatriate Ebonyi citizens employed in informal jobs, such as cleaners, security personnel, roadside vendors, and domestic workers, across urban centres in Nigeria.

State-of-the-Art Skill Acquisition Centres

To support reintegration, the government is in the process of constructing modern warehouses and skill-acquisition centres within Ebonyi Industrial City. These centres will offer training in trades like carpentry, plumbing, tailoring, ICT, welding, and agro-processing .

Economic Empowerment Packages

Returnees will receive starter economic empowerment packages, including tools, seed capital, and startup kits. Participants will graduate with either employment at local industries or support to launch small businesses.

Youth-Focused Engagement

With a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, the initiative seeks to curb the loss of youthful talent to menial labour. Training programs will be youth-centric, offering long-term economic opportunities.

Strengthening the Industrial Ecosystem

Governor Nwifuru emphasized that the repatriation initiative aligns with a broader vision for industrial development in Ebonyi. He stated that the warehousing and training hubs in the industrial city will serve as strategic engines for sustainable growth and job creation.

Government Accountability & Administrative Reforms

In parallel with the empowerment drive, the governor addressed recent underperformance by some government officials. A cabinet reshuffle was implemented to realign governance with the administration’s People’s Charter of Needs. He pledged ongoing performance reviews and did not rule out future changes to ensure administrative efficiency .

Regarding allegations of financial misconduct involving the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Nwifuru emphasized his commitment to due process, stating that “no action would be taken until the investigations”—filed at the Federal High Court in Uyo—are concluded, adding that the SSG is “presumed innocent until proven otherwise”.

Engaging the Diaspora and Investors

Governor Nwifuru also used the event to encourage Ebonyi diaspora leaders to invest in the state. He called on them to disregard social media critics and highlighted the government’s efforts to create a business‑friendly investment climate. He reassured that the state is ready with the infrastructure, policy environment, and political will donors and investors need to support sustainable development in Ebonyi.

Strategic Impact & Future Outlook

Restoring Human Dignity and Building Local Economies

Repatriating exploited labourers and integrating them into formal, value‑adding sectors enhances both the socioeconomic standing of beneficiaries and the state’s overall productivity.

By offering skill-based training and seed capital, the government is investing in long‑term economic self‑sufficiency.

Addressing Youth Unemployment

The initiative targets rural and urban youth underemployed in menial jobs with a renewed sense of purpose and viable livelihoods.

Trained youth will play a critical role in sustaining local industries and entrepreneurship.

Reinforcing Good Governance

Proactive performance assessment of public officials reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Upholding the rule of law in response to financial misconduct allegations reinforces trust in governance.

Mobilizing the Diaspora

Engagement with the diaspora community taps external resources—human, financial, and intellectual—fueling broader development schemes.

A pro-investment posture aims to diversify the state’s economic base and generate systemic growth.

How You Can Help

1. Spread the Word

Share this story with fellow Ebonyi indigenes in informal jobs so they can benefit from the program.

2. Get Involved Locally

Contact the state government to volunteer or support training centers and candidate selection.

3. Invest in Ebonyi

Diaspora members and investors can explore partnership opportunities in the industrial city projects or vocational training programs.

4. Hold Officials Accountable

Celebrate transparency in governance and advocate for sustained public service quality.

Conclusion

Governor Nwifuru’s initiative marks a significant step toward economic transformation, dignity restoration, and governance reforms for Ebonyi State. By bringing exploited labourers home, equipping them for better livelihoods, and fostering investment, the administration is laying the foundation for a more prosperous, self‑reliant society.

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