By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced a comprehensive youth development agenda aimed at equipping young people with sustainable skills and educational support, declaring that 3,100 youths will be trained across the state at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) in the next academic session.
Governor Eno made the disclosure in Uyo while addressing a large gathering of youths during a rally organised in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and his administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the Governor, the initiative is designed to prepare Akwa Ibom youths to confront life’s challenges through skills acquisition and human capital development rather than dependency on handouts.
“What you have done today inspires us to do more for you. We are committed to creating a future that our youths will be proud of. Human capital development remains a priority of this administration,” Eno said.
He explained that under the new DASAC framework, each of the 31 local government areas will nominate 50 youths, while the state government will sponsor an additional 50 per local government, bringing the total to 100 trainees per council and 3,100 statewide.
In a major boost to education support, Governor Eno also announced a 150 per cent increase in students’ bursary, stating that from January 2026, beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000, up from the previous ₦20,000.
He urged youths to either pursue formal education or acquire vocational skills, assuring them of government backing in both paths. The Governor further revealed that youth-friendly centres equipped with solar power, internet access and other essential facilities are being developed across all local government areas.
Governor Eno noted that the Ministry of Youth Development is finalising a comprehensive youth policy for the state, adding that his administration has deliberately embraced youth inclusion, with young people appointed as commissioners, lawmakers, local government chairmen and personal aides.
Highlighting sector-specific empowerment efforts, the Governor disclosed that through Ibom Air, 40 Akwa Ibom indigenes have been trained in aviation, 20 as pilots and 20 as engineers, adding that another 10 pilots will be sponsored for training in January 2026.
“We are developing our young people for sustainability. Our youths must rise above handouts and compete confidently with their peers across the country. As long as God keeps me here, I will continue to fight for your cause,” he assured.
Governor Eno also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for releasing funds to states, which he said has enabled Akwa Ibom to sustain and expand its empowerment programmes.
In their separate remarks, the Member representing Oron Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Youth Development, Hon. Martins Esin, said the endorsement rally was a recognition of the youth-friendly leadership style of President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno. He noted that youths constitute about 60 per cent of the state’s population and pledged massive support in 2027.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, said Akwa Ibom youths have resolved to remain united in progress, aligning with the Governor’s vision of unity and development, while the Chairman of ALGON in the state, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, described the rally as a collective affirmation of continued youth support for the APC leadership at all levels.
The event climaxed with a formal motion adopting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno as the sole youth-backed candidates for the 2027 elections, moved by Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob and seconded by Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo.
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