Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, has stated that Governor Umo Eno will not be distracted by opposition tactics aimed at derailing his administration's development agenda. Umana made this assertion while representing Governor Eno at the commissioning of the ARISE Youth Development Centre in Ikot Edibon, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. The event was part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
According to Umana, the spread of projects across Akwa Ibom has provided a visible demonstration of the administration's development activities. He argued that the physical presence of these projects would speak louder than political attacks. Ongoing construction and rehabilitation of roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and other infrastructure have effectively turned Akwa Ibom into a construction site, with projects spread across the 31 local government areas.
Umana said the ARISE Youth Development Centres were part of the administration's intervention to address youth unemployment and equip young people with practical skills for self-reliance and entrepreneurship. The centres will provide a platform for youths who want to acquire entrepreneurial skills and those who want to innovate. He mentioned that 14 of these centres have been completed so far, with the Nsit Ubium facility being the fifth one commissioned.
The former Secretary to the State Government also highlighted the establishment of a standalone Ministry of Youth Development as a demonstration of the administration's commitment to addressing issues affecting young people. The centres are expected to provide opportunities for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, enabling beneficiaries to establish businesses and create employment for others.
Umana expressed pride in the pace of development in Akwa Ibom, noting that it is attracting attention outside the state. He stated that he feels proud when the state is referenced for its development efforts, describing Akwa Ibom as a miracle that is unfolding. Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, described the Nsit Ubium facility as an investment in the future of young people.
Dr. Ekanem said the facility is designed to provide opportunities for skills acquisition, innovation, research, and creative enterprise. Stakeholders, including the Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Hon. Alfred Charles, and the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Emmanuel Ebong, commended the administration's interventions in roads, education, healthcare, and youth development.
They also called for sustained implementation of programmes under the ARISE Agenda. Umana's comments reflect the administration's determination to continue its development agenda despite opposition tactics. The ARISE Youth Development Centres are a key part of this agenda, aiming to equip young people with the skills needed for self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
Key points
- Governor Umo Eno's administration has turned Akwa Ibom into a construction site with ongoing projects across the state.
- The ARISE Youth Development Centres aim to address youth unemployment and equip young people with practical skills.
- Umana says the administration's projects will speak louder than opposition tactics.
