Akwa Ibom Youth Leader Raises Alarm Over Decline of Youth Platforms, Groups
A former Publicity Secretary of the 3rd Akwa Ibom State Youth Caucus, Mr Leo Umana, has expressed concern over what he described as the decline of youth structures and empowerment platforms in Akwa Ibom State.
Umana, in a statement, lamented the alleged absence of significant activities to mark the 2026 International Youth Day in the state, calling on the Ministry of Youth and the Nigerian Youth Council of Nigeria to clarify whether any programme was organised to commemorate the occasion.
He said although he was no longer a youth, he remained concerned about the sustainability of youth platforms that contributed to his rise in Akwa Ibom politics.
According to him, the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters appeared to be struggling, while several youth structures that were active under previous administrations had become largely inactive.
He recalled that administrations led by former governors Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel maintained youth structures such as the Youth Caucus, youth councils, Dakkada and Arise youth groups, village youth organisations and other associations.
Umana said these platforms provided opportunities for young people to access empowerment, stipends, businesses, agriculture and political appointments.
He noted that several beneficiaries were able to establish businesses, acquire property, marry and secure employment through the opportunities created by the youth structures.
“Where are the Youth Councils, Youth Caucus, Dakkada or Arise Youths, Village Youths, Youth Groups and Associations?” he asked, stressing that the platforms once served as important channels for youth empowerment and political engagement.
The former youth caucus spokesperson also expressed concern over the alleged disappearance of stipends previously provided to various youth formations, saying the development had left many young people without the support structures they once relied on.
He further recalled that youth platforms had played significant roles in producing political leaders, including council chairmen, councillors, supervisors, special assistants, personal assistants, board members, lawmakers and commissioners.
Umana said he was particularly concerned because, according to him, many of the existing political leaders in the state had benefited from youth structures in the past.
He cited the emergence of several prominent political figures from youth platforms as evidence of their importance in developing future leaders.
He appealed to the state government and political leaders to revive the structures or create alternative platforms capable of meaningfully engaging and empowering young people.
“I personally want the system to work, engage people, establish people and make life easy for the people,” he said.
Umana urged the leadership of the state to consider the growing concerns among young people, particularly amid limited opportunities for economic survival.
“For posterity’s sake, we must not allow the youth platforms and groups to die,” he said.
