Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has announced a comprehensive youth empowerment initiative to support 100,000 youths across the state’s 31 local government areas. This initiative, set to begin in October 2024, aims to provide employment, business support, and entrepreneurial opportunities for the state’s young population.
At a youth appreciation rally, Governor Eno expressed gratitude to the youth for their non-participation in recent national protests, stating that the empowerment programs would reward their support for his administration.
The governor revealed plans to establish a new Ministry for Youth Development, separate from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and directed the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Development, alongside the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on ICT, to create a database for youth employment.
As part of the scheme, 60,000 youths will receive N5,000 monthly for one year and a one-time business grant of N50,000 each. Additionally, 10,000 youths will be supported through the ARISE Entrepreneurial Scheme, designed to assist Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
In collaboration with the Ibom Community Watch, 3,000 youths will be employed for crowd control and intelligence gathering, with 100 recruits from each local government area except Uyo. Another 1,000 youths will undergo paid training at the DAKKADA Skills Acquisition Center, receiving a monthly transport stipend of N20,000 during their training.
Governor Eno also announced an increase in bursaries for public university students, raising undergraduate support from N10,000 to N20,000 and professional student support (Law, Medicine, Engineering, etc.) from N10,000 to N30,000 for 20,000 students in the 2024/2025 academic year. Furthermore, 1,000 students with disabilities will receive educational grants, with N250,000 allocated for undergraduates and N300,000 for professional and postgraduate students.
In addition, 2,000 youths will benefit from the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Programme (EAP) through Ibom-led, with grants of N500,000 and start-up capital of N250,000 each, while 3,000 youths will receive support in agribusiness.
Governor Eno also celebrated the recent promotion of the state’s female football team, Ibom Angels, donating N20 million and a coaster bus to the team.
Finally, Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a new Ministry for Youth Development, headed by a Commissioner under 45 years old. He thanked the state’s security agencies for maintaining peace and expressed condolences to the Nigeria Police over the death of the Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner, CP Waheed Ayilara.
The rally also featured remarks from key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Sir Monday Uko, and former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, both of whom praised the governor’s leadership and commitment to youth empowerment.
