Governor Umo Eno has flagged off the construction of youth-friendly centres across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom state

He said the centres marked a significant milestone in the implementation of his ARISE Agenda, particularly its focus on human capital development, innovation, and inclusive growth.

According to the Governor, the initiative is not merely a brick-and-mortar project but a strategic investment in the future, a network of creativity, learning, and empowerment designed to transform the potential of young people into productive ventures.

In Uruan Local Government Area, Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, and the Commissioner for Housing, Dr Henry Archibong described the project as “a promise made and a promise fulfilled.”

He explained that the initiative falls under Aspiration 2, Articles 5 and 6 of the ARISE Agenda, which focus on Wealth Creation, Employment Generation, and Youth Skills Development.

According to him, the programme is designed to enhance skills acquisition, innovation, and inclusion, creating new pathways for young people to thrive in today’s competitive global economy.

“Our goal is to ensure that every Akwa Ibom youth has access to opportunities that can change their story. These youth-friendly hubs are not just buildings but engines of creativity, innovation, and enterprise,” the Governor stated through his representatives.

In Etinan Local Government Area, where the governor was represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Ubuo Ubuo, he reiterated that the administration places high priority on harnessing the potential of young people and equipping them for a progressive and productive life.

Ubuo expressed optimism that the new centre will not only enhance interaction and capacity building among youths but also ensure sustainable development and, in turn, boost the local economy.

In Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, the Governor was represented by the Special Adviser on Co-operative and Rural Development, Mrs. Alice Ekpenyong, who explained that the project is designed to create platforms where young people can thrive, gain relevant skills, and contribute meaningfully to the State’s socio-economic advancement.

“The Youth-Friendly Centre is conceived as a space for skill acquisition, mentorship, and innovation,” she stated, emphasizing that the centres will serve as incubators for creativity and entrepreneurship.

In Urue-Offong Oruko, the Special Adviser, Bureau of Political and Social Re-Orientation, Barr. Kufre Udosen, described the project as another testament to the governor’s avowed commitment to youth development and empowerment.

Also, in Itu Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, described the project as part of the government’s effort to provide inclusive spaces where young people can acquire skills, build capacity, and channel their energies productively.

He further explained that the centres will promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and positive youth engagement, adding that it aligns perfectly with the governor’s drive for a self-reliant and digitally skilled generation.

At Ikono LGA, Princess Emem Ibanga, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering on the ARISE Agenda, saying that the initiative underscores Governor Eno’s vision of ensuring that every youth has access to opportunities that improve their lives and foster self-reliance.

In Mkpat Enin, Prof. Ubong Umoh, Commissioner for Education, said the governor’s policies are now being translated into tangible, life-impacting projects* that will connect and empower young people across the 31 LGAs. He emphasized that the centres will harness the energy and creativity of the youth to drive development across the State.

At Eastern Obolo, the Governor’s Political Adviser, Akparawa (Dr.) Godwin Ntukideh, stressed the importance of acquiring digital, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills to sustain livelihoods in a fast-evolving world.

Similarly, in Nsit Ubium, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, noted that the hubs are “not just buildings but safe spaces and innovation centres designed to equip youths with skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive both locally and internationally.”

At Nsit Atai, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Rt. Hon. Inibehe Silas, highlighted that the centres will feature ICT hubs, e-libraries, incubation units, co-working spaces, and creative lounges facilities that will enable young people to develop essential 21st-century skills and build sustainable careers.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Pastor Imo Bassey, who represented Governor Eno in Oron Local Government Area described the Youth-Friendly Centre project as a critical milestone in the implementation of the ARISE developmental blueprint, stressing that it is not a political gesture but a deliberate and strategic investment in the future of Akwa Ibom youths.

He noted that the network of centres across all LGAs will serve as a bridge and resource hub for youths and other members of society to leverage opportunities, expand their horizons, and contribute meaningfully to community and state development.