A former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana, has stated that opposition elements will not hinder Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state from executing development projects. Umana made this statement 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.
Umana condemned the recent spate of propaganda and blackmail against Governor Eno, saying he was pleased that the governor has not been distracted from implementing the five pillars of his ARISE Agenda. He noted that the growing spread of development projects had turned Akwa Ibom into a construction site, with various infrastructure, schools, healthcare facilities, and projects taking shape across the 31 Local Government Areas.
The former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government highlighted that the ARISE Youth Development Centres were among Governor Eno's deliberate interventions to equip young people with skills that would make them self-reliant and create opportunities for them to become employers of labour. Umana mentioned that the centre would provide a platform for youths to acquire entrepreneurial skills and innovate.
Umana disclosed that 14 of the ARISE Youth Development Centres have been completed, with the Nsit Ubium facility being the fifth one commissioned. He also noted that Governor Eno's decision to establish a standalone Ministry of Youth Development demonstrated the administration's commitment to placing youth development at the centre of its agenda.
The former Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs expressed pride in Akwa Ibom's development strides, stating that the state's progress was attracting positive attention beyond its borders. He often feels proud when people outside the state reference Akwa Ibom for its good governance.
Umana urged Governor Eno to remain focused on his development agenda, saying the visibility of projects across the state would speak for the administration. He declared that Governor Eno would not be distracted by propaganda, as the projects are there for all to see.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, described the Nsit Ubium facility as a deliberate investment in the future of young people, designed to provide opportunities for skills acquisition, innovation, research, and creative enterprise. Other stakeholders commended Governor Eno for his development strides and prayed for continued wisdom and strength for him to deliver on the ARISE Agenda.
Key points
- Umana Okon Umana expresses confidence that opposition elements cannot stop Governor Umo Eno from executing development projects in Akwa Ibom state.
- The ARISE Youth Development Centres aim to equip young people with skills that would make them self-reliant and create opportunities for them to become employers of labour.
- Governor Eno's administration has made significant progress in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth development.
