Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra barred from drug abuse, kidnapping, others atrocities

 

 By Tobias Ekirika

The President General of Ebonyi Town Union Association in Anambra, (ETUA), Ambassador Moses Igwe, has barred all the natives of Ebonyi from engaging in drug abuse, kidnapping and other atrocities.

Igwe, who stated this in a new year message, said the directive was part of their efforts to make their indigenes good ambassadors.

He added that they were seeking partnership with Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, to train Ebonyi indigens in Anambra on skills that will improve their lives and well-being, in order to sway their minds from illicit behaviours.

He said, "Ebonyi indigens are found in every state all over the country. But in Anambra, Ebonyi indigens constitute the highest number of residents besides the indigenous people.

"Regrettably, our people in Anambra are being associated with illicit behaviours. Our people are found in demeaning jobs like hawking, barrow pushing, motor pack touting, etc, and they're being associated with criminals activities that bring disrepute to Ebonyi State.

"So, I plead with our amiable governor to look into the activities of our people in diaspora, especially those in Anambra, where we have majority of diaspora residents. My leadership is open and disposed to partner with the government of Your Excellency by organizing trainings that will improve their lives and well-being.

"Skills acquisition is not only learning how to make snacks. Government of Ebonyi State could partner with my leadership to train our people in Anambra on tailoring, cassava processing, auto mechanic, block moulding and building constructions, etc. After the training, they'll be provided with capital to set up their own businesses.

"This will keep their spirits and body busy, sway their minds from evil, and ultimately end insults and disrepute associated with our people because of idleness and the kind of jobs they do, as well as their lifestyles. Our people need to be taught how to catch fish, not to be given mere fish."

Since government cannot be left to do everything alone, the PG also extended hands of partnership to spirited Ebonyians and corporate organizations, asking them to partner with the leadership of Ebonyi indigens in Anambra to improve the quality of life of Ebonyi people in the state.

The President General, however, issued stern warning to some individuals trying to bring division within the association by laying claims to the leadership of the Ebonyi Town Union Association, asking them to steer clear.

"I am aware that in leadership, there must be an opposition. We've been suffering over the past 15 years to build a viable platform for Ebonyi indigens in Anambra. Since then, we've been struggling, facing certain challenges - but the most striking is the idea of some individuals creating parallel association, trying to bring division amongst us. Therefore, I urge person or persons responsible for this to steer clear and desist," he warned.

Ambassador Igwe warned Ebonyi indigens in diaspora, especially those in Anambra State to be good ambassadors of the state wherever they are, stay way from drugs, desist from criminal activities like kidnapping, armed robbery, and disgraceful behaviours like begging; as well as such other activities that bring shame, disgrace and disrepute to Ebonyi as a people.