Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on youths in the state to prioritise self-development and shun actions capable of undermining the prevailing peace and unity in the state.
The Governor made the call during a breakfast meeting with the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Akwa Ibom State chapter, where he emphasised that peace remains a critical foundation for growth, development and youth advancement.
Governor Eno clarified that the establishment of a separate Ministry for Youth Development was a deliberate policy decision aimed at providing focused attention to youth-related programmes, policies and interventions across the state.
He noted that his administration remains intentional about youth development through targeted training and empowerment initiatives, particularly via the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) and the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom-LED).
The Governor urged youths to take full advantage of the numerous opportunities provided by government for personal advancement and collective progress, stressing that empowerment thrives best in a peaceful and united environment.
Concerning the 2027 general elections, Governor Eno cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used to disrupt the peace of the state, advising them to promote harmony and constructive engagement rather than political tension.
Training Future Leaders
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, reminded the youths that they are leaders in their own right, noting that the Youth Council serves as a breeding ground for future leadership.
Uwah, a former National Vice Chairman of the NYCN, observed that Governor Umo Eno has demonstrated a strong youth-friendly disposition through appointments and empowerment programmes, and urged the youths to remain peaceful and law-abiding in order to benefit more from government initiatives.
Also, the Member of the House of Representatives for Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urue Offong Oruko Federal Constituency, Hon. Martins Esin, commended the Governor for his sustained commitment to youth development, training and empowerment, as well as his vision to establish youth-friendly centres across the 31 local government areas of the state.
Esin, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, assured the Governor of the continued support of Akwa Ibom youths beyond 2027, noting that most programmes of the current administration are youth-oriented.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, expressed appreciation to the Governor for creating a dedicated ministry for youth development and for the numerous training and empowerment opportunities available to young people in the state.
In their separate remarks, the State Chairman of the NYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Ekong; and other stakeholders lauded Governor Eno for his commitment to youth welfare, particularly the creation of a separate Ministry for Youth Development.
They pledged the continued support of Akwa Ibom youths for the Governor and affirmed their readiness to work for his re-election in 2027.
Present at the breakfast meeting were the Dean of Commissioners, Mkpisong Frank Archibong; the State ALGON Chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo; captains of industry; and political stakeholders in the state.