Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged youths to focus on self development and shun every tendency capable of truncating the peace and unity currently enjoyed in the State.
This was contained in his remarks during a breakfast meeting with the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State chapter.
He noted that the creation of a separate ministry for youth development was basically to have a clear focus and develop programmes and policies specifically for the youths of the state.
The Governor noted that under his leadership, government has been very intentional about youth development through various training and empowerment programmes especially through the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) and the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom-LED).
He urged youths to take advantage of the numerous opportunities in the State for their individual development, and collective good.
Speaking on the 2027 elections, he advised the youths to let peace reign and avoid being used by anyone to heat up the polity.
Also speaking, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah advised the youths that they were leaders in their own rights, adding that the youth council also serves as a foundation for building future leaders.
Uwah, a former National Vice Chairman of the body, noted that Governor Umo Eno has been very favourable to youths through appointments and empowerment programmes, and urged them to remain peaceful and law-abiding to benefit more.
In his remarks, Hon. Martins Esin, Member of the House of Representatives for Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urue Offong Oruko Federal Constituency appreciated the Governor for his commitment to youth development, youth training and empowerment as well as the vision for the youth- friendly centres that are to be built across the 31 local government areas.
While reminding youths that most of the programmes of the Governor Umo Eno-led administration were youth friendly, Hon Esin who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, assured the Governor that the youths were fully with him and will continue to support him beyond 2027.
On his part, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, appreciated the Governor for the numerous training and empowerment for the youth, and for creating a separate ministry for youth development in the State.
In their separate remarks, the State Chairman of the NYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Ekong;
Akuku Utitofon from Ukanafun, Paul Ibara from Essien Udim, and Abigail Job from Urue Offong/Oruko all appreciated the Governor for his love for Akwa Ibom youths, and specifically for creating a separate ministry for Youth Development.
They assured that the youth will continue to support the Governor and work for his re-election in 2027.
