The Akwa Ibom State Government has taken significant steps to empower its youths, disbursing ₦1.5 billion in start-up grants to 30,000 youths. This initiative aims to expand economic opportunities and reduce youth unemployment in the state. The Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem Paul, announced this during a press briefing in Uyo, highlighting the government's efforts to support its youths.
In addition to the start-up grants, the government has approved the employment of 7,000 youths. The youth intervention program has also extended to 2,000 beneficiaries trained at the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre, who received ₦750,000 each as completion grants. This enables them to establish or expand their businesses, promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth.
The Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre has graduated 2,186 youths, with the state covering the cost of their training, feeding, and accommodation, estimated at about ₦1 million per beneficiary. This initiative equips youths with valuable skills, enhancing their employability and potential for self-employment.
The government is strengthening youth participation in grassroots development and security, with 2,183 village youth presidents verified for possible integration into the state’s grassroots security architecture. This move aims to engage youths in community development and security initiatives, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility.
The government is also expanding infrastructure for youth development, establishing youth development centres across the 31 local government areas. Facilities have been completed or made ready for use in several locations, including Oron, Ikono, and Etinan. These centres will provide youths with access to resources, training, and support.
The ARISE Tech Talent Accelerator has commenced in Oron, exposing young people to digital skills and professional certifications in areas such as Microsoft and Google programs, cybersecurity, and Python programming. This initiative prepares youths for the demands of the modern job market, enhancing their competitiveness.
The government has also increased the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps members serving in Akwa Ibom from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000, benefiting 98,000 corps members since its introduction in August 2025. Additionally, the state has spent ₦6.8 billion on WAEC, NECO, and other examination fees between 2023 and 2026, demonstrating its commitment to education and youth welfare.
Key points
- The Akwa Ibom State Government has disbursed ₦1.5 billion to 30,000 youths and approved 7,000 jobs to reduce youth unemployment.
- The government has established youth development centres across the 31 local government areas to provide resources, training, and support for youths.
- The state has increased the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps members from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000, benefiting 98,000 corps members.
