Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno,PhD, has congratulated the 240 pioneer graduates of the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) at Ikot Ada Idem, Ibiono Ibom LGA and urged prominent individuals to sponsor their constituents in future training programmes to further enhance human capacity development in the State.
Speaking at the maiden graduation and exhibition ceremony, Governor Eno emphasized the state’s commitment to equipping youths with marketable skills aligned with emerging economic oppourtunities.
He acknowledged his predecessor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, for conceptualizing and establishing the training center, and highlighted the state’s sponsorship of the initial 200 trainees, each receiving a monthly stipend during their training.
“This centre stands as a world-class institution dedicated to providing cutting-edge, needs-driven technical skills training, leadership, and entrepreneurial development,” Governor Eno stated.
“Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a programme but the emergence of a new generation of skilled entrepreneurs.”
The State Chief Executive recognized key partners, including the University of Lagos for their collaboration in curriculum development, and commended the efforts of the Rector, Professor Enoidem Usoro, and the Chairman of the Governing Council Obong Churchill Udoh, for their dedication to the institution’s success.
Governor Eno emphasized integrating these skills into the state’s broader economic development plans, including the Ibom Model Farm in Nsit Ubium, upcoming hospitality projects like Ibom Hotels in Abuja and Ibom Towers in Lagos, and the newly established Ministry of Science and Digital Economy.
He also announced plans to transform DASAC into a degree-awarding technical institution, highlighting the government’s commitment to sustaining and expanding the initiative.
“To our 240 graduates, I congratulate you on this achievement. Your hard work and commitment have positioned you as pioneers of a new era in our state. We expect you to leverage your acquired skills to build successful enterprises and contribute to the economic growth of Akwa Ibom,” Governor Eno encouraged.
On her part, the Rector of DASAC, Prof. Enoidem Usoro, highlighted the centre’s commitment to empowering youths with in-demand skills, aligning with the State Government’s ARISE Agenda.
She noted that Governor Umo Eno’s mandate to take Akwa Ibom youths off the streets and make them self-reliant is being pursued through rigorous training programmes and presented 240 graduands from specialized programmes in the College , each demonstrating mastery in their respective skills.
The ceremony featured an exhibition of products crafted by the trainees, showcasing their newly acquired skills and marking a pivotal moment in the state’s drive toward economic empowerment through technical and vocational education.
