Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has called on young people to embrace innovation, resilience, and self-determination as tools to accelerate their destinies, declaring that “government alone cannot define success.”
The Governor made the call during the 2025 edition of the Ibom Ignite Conference held at the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development (Ibom-LED) Centre, Uyo, with the theme “Ignite to Accelerate”.
Governor Eno, recalling the vision behind the Ibom Ignite initiative, said the platform was conceived to uplift young people, reshape their mindset, and dismantle the culture of dependency.
He urged participants to move beyond wishful thinking and take deliberate steps toward personal growth and contribution to society.
“I like to talk to young people — take your destiny in your hands… Every day God gives you is an opportunity, so as you’ve come today, I beg you, don’t waste this opportunity… ” the Governor said
He stated that the state government would continue to provide enabling environments for youth development through enterprise hubs, skill-building programmes, and digital innovation platforms under the ARISE Agenda.
Origin and Growth
In his welcome address, Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob, Convener of Ibom Ignite, traced the history of the conference to its modest beginnings as a youth impact programme that has now evolved into a global empowerment event hosted in world-class venues.
He encouraged participants to rekindle their passion and purpose, saying:
“Fire without movement is wasted. Wake up the giant inside you, because your future starts now.”
He described the annual gathering as a defining platform for equipping Akwa Ibom youths with the tools, networks, and confidence needed to compete and excel globally.
Empowerment, Innovation
Delivering the opening charge, Rev. Godwin Amaowoh emphasised that empowerment remains the key to wealth creation, citing Deuteronomy 8:18 and Luke 4:6 as divine backing for the principle of capacity and productivity.
“God equips people through ideas, ability, and vision, while human beings provide infrastructure and platforms… Don’t waste resources or opportunities — make good use of what God has given you,” Amaowoh charged the youths.
Technology, Creativity and the Future of Work
In a keynote address, Obafemi Banigbe, CEO of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services, described the Ibom Ignite Conference as more than a gathering but “a movement with the potential to transform communities and industries.”
Commending Akwa Ibom’s remarkable growth in innovation and entrepreneurship, Banigbe highlighted the state’s potential in digital technology, agriculture, and artificial intelligence.
“When I look at this state, I see possibilities… To the young people here: you are not just leaders of tomorrow; you are leaders of today. Don’t dim your spark — ignite it,” he charged.
He also encouraged participants to leverage technology and innovation to solve real problems and create scalable impact in their communities.
Youth Empowerment, Growth
Since its inception, the Ibom Ignite Conference has become one of Akwa Ibom’s most consistent youth empowerment platforms, fostering leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation among young people across sectors.
The 2025 edition drew hundreds of participants from within and outside the state, including entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and development partners, united by a shared goal to “ignite their potential and accelerate growth.”
Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining youth-focused programmes, emphasising that empowering the next generation remains central to Akwa Ibom’s development blueprint.
“Our greatest investment as a government is in our young people — because when we ignite one youth, we light up a generation,” he concluded.