Two-time African Footballer of the Year, Nwankwo Kanu, former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai among others on Thursday, participated in the Ebonyi Youths Good Governance March in Abakaliki.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that thousands of youths participated in the march especially those involved in the just concluded Ebonyi #EndSARS Youth Summit in Abakaiki.
The youths who marched through major streets of Abakaliki, displayed placards, banners and sang songs which highlighted the governor’s infrastructural strides.
Traffic was disrupted at several locations as some residents struggled to touch or pose for pictures with Kanu and Rufai but were in most cases restrained by security agencies.
Kanu admonished the youths to be hard working and focused in order to attain success in life.
“I am an example of individuals who have poor backgrounds, but still succeeded with focus, commitment, discipline and hard work.
“I used to walk for several kilometers to play football without boots and came from a family where garri is consumed for all the meals of the day.
The Atlanta 96 Olympic Games gold medalist praised Gov. David Umahi for his infrastructural strides, and urged the youths to judiciously utilise the various empowerment opportunities he provided.
“This is not politics but what can be verified and has attracted national and global attention.
“Youths should always remember their roots when they attain success as I exemplified with the inauguration of the Kanu football academy and Kanu heart foundation.
Also, Peter Rufai, the AFCON ’94 winner urged the youths to take sports as a career and attain success with it through hardwork and diligence.
“You should combine sports with education as it unites the people, fosters peace, bridge gaps and have become a major revenue earner,” he said.
Zack Orji, Veteran Nollywood Actor promised the youths that opportunities would be given to budding actors and actresses to excel in their chosen careers.
“We will develop the Ebonyi film sector because the governor has provided adequate infrastructure to ensure that the industry thrives in the state,” he said. (NAN)
