Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement restrictions on social media platforms to curb the spread of misinformation and “half-truths.” The governor made the appeal during a courtesy visit from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in Abakaliki on Friday.
Governor Nwifuru argued that the government has a responsibility to protect citizens from the negative impacts of false reports. He expressed concern over the unchecked proliferation of unfounded stories, citing instances of social media posts falsely declaring individuals dead without any consequence for the writers. “This is not how a country should operate,” he stated.
The governor also linked the issue of misinformation to youth idleness, urging the federal government to intensify its efforts in engaging young people in practical agriculture. He suggested that channeling their energy into meaningful ventures like farming would deter them from destructive social media activities, noting that “hunger and idleness drive online anger and misinformation.”
The governor reflected on his youth, when farming was a source of pride, contrasting it with the current low interest in agriculture among young people. He believes that a greater focus on farming could provide a productive outlet for youth potential.
During the visit, Governor Nwifuru commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that many ministries’ achievements are underreported, creating the impression that only the ministries of works and the Federal Capital Territory are active.
He specifically lauded the appointment of David Umahi, an indigene of Ebonyi, as the Minister of Works, noting that it is the first time an Igbo person has held the position since Nigeria’s independence. Nwifuru expressed confidence that Umahi would leave a lasting legacy in the federal ministry, just as he did in Ebonyi State. The governor concluded that with President Tinubu’s achievements in infrastructure and human capital development, his re-election in 2027 is “guaranteed.”
In response, Minister Mohammed Idris stated that his visit to Ebonyi State was part of a tour to engage with citizens and inspect ongoing federal projects. He highlighted the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a key initiative by the Tinubu administration to help poor and vulnerable students access higher education.
According to the minister, over 400,000 students have enrolled in the program, with the government approving over N86 billion for its operation. He emphasized the transparency of the scheme, stating, “You don’t have to know anybody to be a beneficiary of the programme.”
