The Ebonyi State Government in collaboration with the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has graduated 51 youths from a six weeks reorientation, skills acquisition training, and empowerment programme, with those involved granted amnesty.
The event, which took place on Thursday, was held at the Ezillo Military Barracks in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.
The graduands consisted of Ekoli youths in Edda LGA, who surrendered to the government’s disarmament programme following their recent dispute with Egbor people of Biase LGA of Cross River State.
The conflict arose from a dispute over an abandoned vast palm plantation previously owned by the government of the defunct eastern region.
It escalated in March 2018, leading to loss of lives and property between the two inter-state communities.
The reorientation and skill acquisition training was part of the government’s programme towards meaningfully reintegrating the ex-warlords into the society.
Speaking during the event, Governor Francis Nwifuru regretted the unfortunate dispute with its negative outcomes for the both states, describing it as a deviation from the shared values of unity, brotherhood and mutual respect which the people are known for.
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He described the event as a bold, historical step by the government towards healing the wounds of the past and building a brighter future for the state.
Nwifuru noted that the event signalled a turning point, a moment of redemption, renewal and hope in the lives of the graduands, and urged them to take full benefit of their acquired skills and knowledge to add value to their lives and benefit the State.
He further announced a grant of N2 million each for the graduands to enable them set up their entrepreneurial ventures.
He said: “This amnesty is not just a pardon.
“It is a promise of a new beginning, a second chance and a brighter future.
“You are being empowered to take control of your future.
“This financial support is not only a gesture.
“It is an investment in your potential, your dreams and your ability to contribute to the growth and development of our dear state.”
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, commended the state government for the gesture.
Olatoye described the event as a testament to the commitment of the Ebonyi State Government to foster peace in the state in particular and Nigeria in general.
He explained that the graduates were trained in various skills, including carpentry, electrical and solar installation, fishery and poultry farming, paint production and painting, as well as plumbing and tiling.
He further enumerated some of the training courses undergone by the graduates to include mindset change and nonviolent conflict resolution, ethical values in a peaceful society, financial literacy and savings culture, and money management for small businesses, among others.
Olatoye said: “Today is not just the conclusion of the training programme, but the beginning of a new chapter.
“A chapter that is filled with opportunities, a chapter filled with dignity, and a chapter filled with renewed purpose.”
He urged beneficiaries to make the most use of the skills they acquired.
“Let this be the foundation of a better future, not only for yourselves, but for your families, your communities, and the entire people of Ebonyi State,” Olatoye admonished.
Olatoye was represented at the event by Brigadier General Oduyemi Bello, the Commander, 44 Engineer Brigade of the Division.
Others who spoke at the event, including the Chairman of Edda LGA, Prince Chima Ekumankama, and a political stakeholder in the area, Eni Uduma Chima, appreciated the state government’s gesture, describing Governor Nwifuru as a listening and peace loving leader.
Uduma, who went down memory lane on the cause of the crises, blamed the Egbor people of Cross River State for leasing out the Edda portion of the plantation without recourse to the owners.
They vowed to work in synergy with all stakeholders to ensure that the peace is sustained in the area.
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