Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has announced the establishment of a State Inter-Labour Committee to support the ARISE Youth Employment Portal, aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for local youths. This initiative aligns with Eno’s commitment to prioritize indigenous hiring and promote transparent employment practices among companies in the state.
At the launch of the Arise Youth Employment Portal at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo, Eno emphasized the portal’s role in fulfilling promises made to Akwa Ibom youths when he signed a charter earlier this year. The portal serves as a centralized platform for job seekers and employers, facilitating access to employment opportunities that adhere to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on poverty reduction.
“One of the major themes I campaigned on was the urgency in providing gainful employment opportunities for our teeming youths,” Eno stated. He recalled his previous commitment to establish an employment portal to connect youths with job opportunities tailored to their skill sets.
The Governor highlighted that the portal would also coordinate various empowerment initiatives, including the recruitment of 200 Health/Safety monitors and 3,000 personnel for the Ibom Watch program. He thanked Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT, and his team for their efforts in bringing the vision of the employment portal to fruition.
Dr. Ekpenyong explained that the portal is designed to expand the labor market and ensure that state indigenes have seamless access to job opportunities. Elder Effiong Essien, Head of Civil Service, praised the portal as a significant advancement in the state’s recruitment process, allowing qualified locals to apply for civil service positions through modern technology.
Engr. Uwem Okoko, CEO of Hensek Integrated Services, representing the private sector, commended the launch of the portal, calling it a timely innovation coinciding with the construction season, which requires an additional workforce.
The event culminated in Governor Eno unveiling the portal, assisted by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi. This initiative marks a significant step toward empowering the youth and creating sustainable job opportunities in Akwa Ibom State.
