For the first time since, the United Nations established World Youth Skills Day in 2015, Akwa Ibom State joined the global celebration, marking a milestone in grassroots youth development efforts across Nigeria. The event, held on July 15 in Uyo, was led by Nigeria’s Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who unveiled major community-focused initiatives designed to empower young people.
While Nigeria has celebrated the day ten times nationally, this marked Akwa Ibom’s inaugural participation. Olawande hailed it as a significant step in decentralising youth-focused programmes. “Today in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, I joined young Nigerians, partners, and stakeholders to commemorate World Youth Skills Day — a momentous occasion not just nationally, but especially for Akwa Ibom,” he said.
The event deepened collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Akwa Ibom State Government. Olawande used the platform to launch two major initiatives: the NiYA Ambassadors project and the Bamboo Youth Empowerment Programme.
The NiYA Ambassadors initiative aims to create a grassroots network of change agents under the Nigerian Youth Academy, expanding its impact to local communities. The Bamboo Youth Empowerment Programme, developed in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Akwa Ibom Government, and the National Bamboo Farmers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NBFPMAN), will leverage the region’s rich bamboo resources to promote green jobs, climate-smart agriculture, and youth entrepreneurship.
“It was particularly encouraging to witness Akwa Ibom’s commitment to lead in this climate-smart and forward-looking agenda,” Olawande said, applauding the state’s potential in driving sustainable economic opportunities.
The Minister also praised Governor Umo Eno for establishing a dedicated Ministry for Youth Development , a move Olawande said aligns with his earlier recommendation.
Another highlight of the day was the unveiling of the “Arise Youth-Friendly Hub”, a creative and developmental space inspired by the Federal Government’s flagship Youth House initiative. Olawande described the hub as “a convergence point for creativity, dialogue, and inclusive youth development.”
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s agenda, Olawande stressed the importance of youth empowerment through job creation, skills training, and sustainable development.
