Akwa Ibom state is celebrating its 39th anniversary, and Governor Pastor Umo Eno has been highlighting his administration's efforts to empower youths across the state. According to the Commissioner for Youths, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, Governor Eno has implemented various initiatives to increase youth participation in governance. These initiatives are part of the Arise Agenda, a program aimed at promoting youth development in the state. The Commissioner made these remarks during the Ministerial Briefing at Government House in Uyo.
One of the key initiatives implemented by Governor Eno is the construction and equipping of Youth Development Centres across the 31 local government areas in the state. Ekanem stated that Youth Development Centres have been commissioned in 11 local government areas, while the project is ongoing in other council areas. The centres aim to provide a platform for youths to develop their skills and participate in governance. Additionally, the administration has introduced the Arise youth skill day, where 25-50 youths benefit from a cash prize in line with United Nations provisions.
Governor Eno has also engaged youths through various appointments and employment opportunities. The Commissioner stated that 369 youths have been appointed as Personnel Assistants (wards PAs) across the 369 wards in the state. Furthermore, 7,000 youths have been employed into the state civil service, while 2,133 youths have been verified by security agencies for training into the state security architecture. These initiatives aim to provide youths with opportunities for skills development and participation in governance.
The administration has also intervened in youth leadership development by constituting the Unyenge Youth Association to strengthen youth leadership in Mbo local government area. Ekanem stated that the association aims to promote youth leadership and provide a platform for youths to participate in governance. Additionally, village youth presidents have been verified and integrated into the state security system, which aims to help the government in intelligence gathering to fight crimes at the grassroots level.
Governor Eno's administration has also provided financial support to youths in the state. The Commissioner stated that the governor has paid N6.9 billion in WAEC/NABTEB examination fees for youths in secondary schools. Additionally, youths in tertiary institutions have benefited from N1.96 billion in bursaries, while those who wrote the computer-based test (CBT) for employment into the state civil service received N50,000 each.
The administration has also provided support to Akwa Ibom indigenes serving in the National Youth Service Scheme. Ekanem stated that N20,000 has been added to the allowance of Akwa Ibom indigenes serving in any part of Nigeria. The Commissioner also confirmed that the amount has been paid to date, contrary to claims by critics that Akwa Ibom indigenes have been neglected in this exercise.
Finally, Ekanem urged youths in the state to mobilize support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Pastor Umo Eno in the 2027 general elections. The Commissioner stated that with the performance and inclusion of youths in the government of the state, it is essential for youths to support the re-election of the leaders.
Key points
- Governor Umo Eno's administration has implemented various initiatives to empower youths across the 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom state.
- The initiatives aim to provide youths with opportunities for skills development and participation in governance.
- The administration has provided financial support to youths in the state, including payment of WAEC/NABTEB examination fees and bursaries.
