Quality leadership is not only about building infrastructures and socio-economic facilities; it is equally about developing the people who will use them. For Governor Umo Eno, any development that does not directly and positively impact young people cannot be considered a priority. This explains why youth development, entrepreneurial empowerment, and job creation occupy a central place in his economic blueprint.
Vision for Youth Empowerment
Governor Eno’s commitment to youth development is anchored on consolidating the state’s economic gains while preparing a new generation of skilled, productive citizens capable of driving Akwa Ibom’s economy into long-term growth and competitiveness. One of his earliest reforms was the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Youth Development, separating it from the former youth and sports structure. This deliberate move ensures youth issues receive the focused attention they deserve.
Social Protection & Entrepreneurial Support
His administration has introduced innovative programmes to support young people:
– Unemployment Benefit Programme: N50,000 monthly support for unemployed youths to cushion economic hardship while they seek jobs or develop entrepreneurial ideas.
– Entrepreneurial Funding: N750 million released to 1,500 young entrepreneurs to scale businesses, improve productivity, and create jobs.
Ibom-LED: Building Leaders & Entrepreneurs
Established in 2023, Ibom-LED (Ibom Leadership and Enterprise Development Centre) has become a hub for nurturing leadership and enterprise skills. Achievements include:
– Training and mentoring over 2,000 entrepreneurs.
– Producing 1,700 graduates of the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Programme.
– Supporting 60 startups through incubation and advisory services.
– Grooming future leaders via the Rising Leaders Programme and strengthening executive capacity through the Executive Management Programme.
– Providing advanced training to 25 entrepreneurs through the Business Mastery Programme.
Additionally, the ARISE Equipment Support Scheme has distributed tools to 2,000 small business operators, while over N700 million has been disbursed to accelerator programme beneficiaries to translate training into real ventures.
ARISE Youth Friendly Centres
Governor Eno is establishing youth-focused hubs across ten pilot LGAs, with plans to expand to all 31. These centres feature:
– Innovation spaces for skill acquisition and enterprise development.
– ICT and creative development units.
– Co-working spaces, e-libraries, and digital learning facilities.
The goal is to prepare Akwa Ibom youths for active participation in the knowledge-driven global economy.
Tech & Vocational Training
The ARISE Tech Talent Accelerator Programme provides structured technology training, while the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre offers vocational training with stipends. A youth employment database also connects young professionals with opportunities in government and private sector investments.
Sports, Education & Creative Industry
Governor Eno has expanded bursary support for tertiary students, increased grants for students with disabilities, and invested in sports and the creative industry. Support for teams like Ibom Angels reflects his commitment to nurturing talent across diverse sectors.
Youth in Broader Development
From ARISE Compassionate Homes to Model Primary Schools, Health Centres, and road projects, young people are actively engaged as artisans, technicians, and skilled workers earning income and improving livelihoods.
Within the framework of the ARISE Agenda, youth empowerment is positioned as a strategic investment in Akwa Ibom’s future. Governor Umo Eno’s vision is clear: harness the energy, creativity, and ambition of the state’s young population to drive innovation, enterprise creation, and longterm prosperity
