By Tobias Ekirika, Onitsha
The President General of Ebonyi Town Union Association in Anambra (ETUA), Ambassador Moses Igwe, has called for partnership with Ebonyi State government on the training and rehabilitation of Ebonyi indigenes in diaspora.
In his New Year message on Thursday, January I, 2026, in Onitsha, the PG said that his leadership is disposed to partnering with Ebonyi State government under His Excellency, Governor Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, to train Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra on skills that will improve their lives and well-being, in order to sway their minds from illicit behaviours.
He said: “Ebonyi indigenes are found in every State all over the country. But in Anambra, Ebonyi indigenes are in high population in the State.
“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 criminal 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 will be provided with capital to set up their own businesses.
“This will keep their spirits and body busy, sway their minds away 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 indigenes 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 indigenes 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 indigenes 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.
