Uyo, Akwa Ibom
The Governor of Akwa Ibom, Gov. Umo Eno on Sunday, 21-06-2027 integrates 2,272 village Youth Presidents at Uyo township stadium.
In his speech, the Governor proclaim that he has taken a decisive and bold step to deepen the security architecture of the state, citing the recent security challenges in Nigeria by involving critical thinking.
“It has become necessary to take additional measures to widen, deepen and retool the state security architecture, that’s why we have brought the village youth president that resides in the village” He said.
Umo Eno also announced that each village president in all the local government will be trained and equipped with the necessary knowledge to carry out this security task.
“Henceforth the village youth presidents will now form part of our security architecture, we will provide adequate training after all profiling” he said
“By the end of your training, we will issue you with letters of appointment. You will work closely with Village Heads, Clan Heads, and security agencies operating within your local government areas.” He added.
The Governor also mandated the Secretary to the state Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, to make 10 Hilux, available to the police in the 10 Federal Constituencies across the state for quick response.
Previously in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, said the engagement was another demonstration of Governor Eno’s commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development.
Uwemedimo outlined the Governor’s various empowerment and skill development programmes, linking that the gathering of Village Youth Presidents from all the local government would further strengthen collaboration between youths, Village Heads, and Clan Heads in promoting peace and development at the community level.
Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, described the engagement as a landmark initiative, commending Governor Umo Eno for implementing programmes that continue to create opportunities and positively impact young people across Akwa Ibom State.
He noted that more than 3,000 youths have benefited from capacity-building programmes under the Ibom-LED and Dakkada Skills Acquisition schemes, adding that another phase of training is scheduled to begin at the Oron Youth Development Centre on June 23.
Dr. Ekanem highlighted several youth-centred interventions introduced by the administration, including agricultural grants and the establishment of ARISE Automobile Workshops, all aimed at equipping young people with the skills and resources needed to become entrepreneurs, wealth creators, and employers of labour.
He also disclosed that youth stakeholders across the state recently passed a vote of confidence in Governor Eno, citing his sustained commitment to youth empowerment and development.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Abak Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Edidem Bassey Etim, lauded the initiative, describing it as a commendable step toward strengthening peace and security at the grassroots.
Drawing from the Bible, he noted that “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice,” and commended Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to the welfare and security of the people.
The royal father also charged the youths to conduct themselves responsibly and serve as agents of peace, unity, and development in their respective communities.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (Rtd.), commended Governor Umo Eno for his steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and property, describing the engagement as a proactive and strategic initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots intelligence gathering and enhancing community security across the state using the mantra, “if you see something, say something”
He noted that the inclusion of Village Youth Presidents in the state’s security framework would foster closer collaboration between communities and security agencies, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure Akwa Ibom.
Also delivery a speech, the member representing Uyo State Constituency, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo, described the event as an historic even that never happened before in Akwa Ibom.
Uwemedimo who also doubles as the Chairman House Committee on Youth in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly keenly noted Governor Umo Eno that Gov. Umo Eno took over 2,000 youths off the streets through different developmental programmes.
Remarkably, the member representing Oron Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Martins Esin and Chairman House Committee on Youth, described the gathering of the 2,272 Village Youth Presidents as a historical event, noting that it marked their formal integration into both the political and security frameworks of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, praised Governor Umo Eno for the initiative, describing Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
He assured that the Command would work closely with the state government in training the Village Youth Presidents, equipping them to serve as community peace ambassadors and strengthen security operations through reliable intelligence gathering.
The newly inaugurated State President of Village Youths, Comrade Ita James flanged by his Deputy Comrade Ndu Davies from Ikot Mkpenein Nsit Atai Local Government, and the Secretary thanked the Governor for hosting the crucial gathering of youths in the state, reaffarming his commitment and all the village youths to make sure every villages in Akwa Ibom is safe.
They presented a communiqué, award, photo gift to the Governors assuring him of his re-election bid, come 2027.
The political class and technocrats who attended the event include, Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Senator Samson Ekong, Mrs Ekanem, Dr. Uwem Okoko( Hensek) ,UCDA Chairman Hon. Anietie Eka and APC Chapter Chairman, Stephen Ntukekpo
